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Lobbyists To Host Schwarzenegger Farewell Party

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is leaving office just as he came in -- with a party paid for by outside interest groups.

Schwarzenegger's spokesman, Aaron McLear, said the governor plans to attend a farewell party being put on by lobbyists and special interests but is not involved in the planning.

The California Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP, both Schwarzenegger supporters, are among those seeking contributions for the Dec. 16 event at the Sacramento Convention Center.

The Sacramento Bee reported that one appeal is seeking tax-deductible donations of $25,000 "for this memorable evening."

McLear said groups that have backed Schwarzenegger "wanted to put together an event to honor the governor," but he says the governor is focused on addressing California's $6 billion budget shortfall.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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