With his popularity plummeting, a new sex scandal simmering and a problematic election looming, the governor did what desperate politicians do. He attacked criminals. And not just any criminals, mind you, but sexual predators.

Schwarzenegger announced support this week for a stupid and costly bill that would, among other things, require sex offenders on parole to wear global positioning devices - for life.

I can just imagine the conversation in the governor's office about this. The governor's complaining, "Maria's really mad. How do I get that story about me and Gigi Goyette off the front pages."

"We need to do an event, Governor," his consultant says. “Something that reminds people you're tough on crime, but a family man too." 

"Yah. Like Kindergarten Cop.”

"Yeah, Governor, that's it, with a little bit of 'Robocop' thrown in." 

“That was not me!” 

“OK, OK - Terminator.” 

"Fan-Tastic!" 

The bill the governor supports is not so fantastic. It will cost the state an estimated half billion dollars and it won't enhance public safety one iota. And I seriously doubt it will get Gigi off the front pages either.

Ginger Rutland writes for the Sacramento Bee Opinion pages.