CA Gov., backs out of conference

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) - The Border Governor’s Conference opened Sunday with one confirmed guest noticeably absent.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was scheduled to attend the conference but backed out at the last minute because of the states budget crisis.

The state’s Lieutenant Governor, Abel Maldonado is attending in his place.

Neither Texas, nor Arizona’s Governor’s, are attending the conference.

The conference was originally supposed to be held in Arizona, but after Governor Jan Brewer signed the controversial immigration bill back in April, Mexican dignitaries threatened to boycott the conference, so Brewer canceled it.

Shortly after, Governor Richardson decided to hold the meetings in Santa Fe at the Eldorado Hotel.

The goal of the conference is for U.S. and Mexican leaders to work together to deal with issues along the border, including the drug violence, that has spilled over the border in recent months.

Sunday’s meetings were happening behind closed doors.

News 13 tried contacting Governor Richardson’s office for comment about Governor Schwarzenegger’s decision to skip the conference but our calls were not returned.

The conference continues Monday.