The movement to recall Governor Gray Davis hit Santa Maria Sunday, as gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger held a campaign rally at the Santa Maria Public Airport.

More than 2,000 supporters, including local government representatives, packed the Arctic Air hangar to catch a glimpse of the actor during his “Bring Back California” fly-around. Other stops included Monterey and Redding.

The crowd was energized prior to his arrival by Santa Maria Assemblyman Abel Maldonado’s staff, who threw “Join Arnold” T-shirts to those who yelled the loudest.

The Twisted Sister song “We’re Not Gonna Take It” blasted from giant speakers as a smiling Schwarzenegger walked out to address the screaming crowds. During his brief speech, he thanked the people for coming and made a joke about Gov. Davis calling Schwarzenegger’s supporters during a recent rally to say goodbye.

Schwarzenegger promised to reform workers’ compensation and reduce the vehicle license fee. He also promised that he will not cut funding to education. He said we need to get control of California “to make it the powerful, job-creating machine it once was.”

“On Oct. 8, I will be sitting on that chair,” he said. “I will be the kind of governor that will never spend more money than (the state) brings in.” He also suggested he would “open up the books and let’s see where all the waste is.”

At the end of his speech, Schwarzenegger asked everyone to encourage other people to vote in favor of the recall.

“This is now hand-to-hand combat,” Schwarzenegger said. “This is war, we have to win this war together.”

Local representatives – including Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino and Santa Barbara County Supervisors Joe Centeno and Joni Gray – spoke to the crowds before Schwarzenegger appeared.

Lavagnino said Schwarzenegger will make the state and schools “number one again.” He then led the audience in a “recall” chant.

Gray said she had never seen such a large crowd at a political rally in Santa Maria before.

“We feel it in our bones, a leader has emerged,” said the 4th District Supervisor.

Centeno, 5th District Supervisor, said he is tired of the county providing essential services to people “while Sacramento steals our money.”

“We need to terminate those folks (in Sacramento),” he said.

Many of the spectators were teenagers who are not old enough to vote, but supported Schwarzenegger’s political views. Others were registered as Democrats, but broke ranks because they felt unhappy with Gov. Davis’ performance.

“We’re ready for change,” said Santa Maria resident Karen Koeller, a Democrat. “Gray Davis didn’t do his job.”

Koeller’s teenage sons, Jeff and Joe Koeller, agreed, saying they were unhappy with the state’s economy.

“Vote Arnold all the way,” said Jeff Koeller.

Orcutt resident, Trish Waterbury, said she can relate to Schwarzenegger because he seems like a regular person.

“He struggled just like us,” said Waterbury, a registered Democrat.

Arroyo Grande resident, Robin Regan, also a registered Democrat said Schwarzenegger “spoke of things everyone is concerned about.”

“He seems like the most personable out of all the candidates,” said 13-year-old Stephanie Regan.

Ashlee Stroop, 13, who had her “Terminator” DVD autographed, said she’s confident Schwarzenegger will win, because “he said great things.”

“He said we’re going to take back California – and he wants to make our schools number one again.”

About a dozen protesters, including local members of the Democratic Party, stood outside the airport gates, holding signs opposing the recall.

“(Schwarzenegger) is the least qualified candidate on the ballot,” said Eric Chavez, a representative of the local Democratic Party.

“I am not impressed with his rhetoric,” he said.