The governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger here in California — like that of Hulk Hogan, er, Jesse Ventura in Minnesota — is more proof that political careers based solely on the whimsy of egomaniacs are generally doomed to failure:

So far, a durable governing coalition has eluded him. Schwarzenegger has chalked up many of his troubles in office to the power of special interests and legislators resistant to reform. But insiders say his policy setbacks and slide in the polls may also owe to stubbornness, a taste for flashy Hollywood-style — but politically unrealistic — moves and a naivete about politics in general.

What is not a surprise, of course, is that the movie star turned governor is a diva. When his former chief of staff, Patricia Clarey, tried to disusaude him from pursing the disastrous special election last year, he barked:

“Haven’t you been listening to me?” Schwarzenegger said, according to one person who was present. “In Hollywood, I would know how to deal with this. I would bring someone in from the outside to get it done. Do I have to do that here?”

Of course, after the special election failed resoundingly, he still blamed Clarey:

He wasn’t always nice about it. On a post-election trip to China, the governor left Clarey to commercial flights and press buses while his personal financial advisor traveled as a member of his inner circle, flying on Schwarzenegger’s jet and dining with him and [Schwarzenegger's wife, former journalist Maria] Shriver.

Schwarzenegger complained privately that he didn’t like “hanging with” Clarey, and criticized her in front of colleagues. Other aides would join him for lunch; she wasn’t invited. In a final rebuke, Schwarzenegger replaced the Republican Clarey with a Democrat.

Governor, I beseech you: Resign now. You can be back on the set of “Terminator 4″ or whatever on January 2, 2007. It’s a win-win-win for you, the Democratic majority in the state and its citizenry.