Doer and Schwarzenegger: not “Twins” after all?

So, tell me if this sounds familiar: regional political leader who is acclaimed for his efforts to fight global warming faces tough decision — and potential criticism from environmentalists — over where to build a major new transmission line carrying sustainable power.

Manitoba? No, it’s California, where Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is supporting a proposal from a San Diego utility company to build a high-voltage transmission line through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

You might recall that Schwarzenegger and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer have become fast friends in recent years, with Doer flying down to California for a photo-op to sign an environmental cooperation agreement, and Schwarzenegger making several appearances in news releases from the provincial government.

However, unlike his pal Gary, Arnie isn’t afraid of a scrap with environmental activists if it means building the transmission line in the most logical location. Schwarzenegger even declined to renew appointments to the state parks commission for two potential opponents of the project — his brother-in-law Patrick Shriver and Clint Eastwood.

In review, Gary Doer is scared that members of the Kennedy/Shriver family will lead protests if he tries to build Manitoba Hydro’s new transmission line along the east side of Lake Winnipeg. On the other hand, Arnold Schwarzenegger — who is MARRIED to a Shriver — is neither afraid of his in-laws nor Dirty Harry.

Also, Doer has never defeated a super-cool robot killer from the future. I’m just sayin’.