Recuperating governor will sit out today’s inaugural events

SACRAMENTO — Following his doctor’s advice, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger canceled plans to attend a pair of events today that are part of his two-day inaugural celebration.

In taking the step, Schwarzenegger’s office is acknowledging that his broken leg may interfere more with his schedule than aides previously had suggested.

The governor, who has barely been out in public since he fractured his right femur while skiing Dec. 23, was supposed to appear today at an inauguration kickoff on the Capitol lawn. He also had been scheduled to greet donors who have underwritten his inaugural parties at a private reception.

After consulting with his doctor, he decided he wasn’t up to the appearances. Instead, he will try to conserve energy for his swearing-in Friday and a series of major speeches he is to deliver over the next six days.

“After meeting with my doctor, he has advised me to rest, elevate my leg and stay off of my feet for as long as possible,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “Unfortunately I will not be able to attend pre-inaugural activities on Thursday.”

Friends of the governor said he has been rehearsing his swearing-in and state-of-the-state speeches at his home in Brentwood, moving around on metal crutches.

He has experienced pain since his surgery Christmas Day, and could wind up missing all of the inauguration parties, his aides and friends said.

“The governor is focused on his inaugural address,” one aide said. His participation in “all other events will be determined based on how he feels.”

One friend of the governor suggested that it was overly optimistic for his staff to have thought that he would be up to attending parties less than two weeks after major surgery. The cancellation, the friend said, was a welcome sign that “his team is finally recognizing reality.”

Dr. Kevin Ehrhart, Schwarzenegger’s orthopedic surgeon, has said it could be eight weeks before the governor recovers fully.

“Gov. Schwarzenegger is recovering from significant surgery on his femur,” Ehrhart said in a prepared statement Wednesday. “His recovery has been extraordinary and I am adamant he not do anything that could jeopardize that recovery. I will continue to advise him on his health through his swearing-in, inaugural speech, state-of-the-state, and budget presentation.”

The governor’s accident may disappoint donors who hoped to see him today at an exclusive “sponsor’s reception.” Political aides had sent out invitations offering potential donors a certain number of tickets to the closed-door reception based on the amount they contributed to defray the cost of the inaugural festivities.

“Gold” sponsors, who kicked in at least $50,000 each, were offered 10 tickets. “Silver” sponsors who gave at least $15,000 were offered two tickets to the reception. Those who gave $50,000 include Chevron, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the California Real Estate Political Action Committee.

The governor’s office said it shouldn’t bother donors that the headliner is bowing out.

“Those who contribute to the governor do so because they believe in his vision for the future of California,” said Julie Soderlund, Schwarzenegger’s spokeswoman.

“Whether he’s at a reception or not doesn’t change the fundamental fact that these individuals have contributed because they want to celebrate the governor’s second term,” Soderlund said.

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