Six months after anti-George Bush remarks made by singer Natalie Maines onstage in London erupted into a conservative backlash in the United States, the Dixie Chicks are on tour in Europe again and targeting another high-profile Republican.

"[Arnold Schwarzenegger] is a great film star," banjo player Emily Robison told a German newspaper, "but I find his run for governor absolutely insane."

The Terminator star and former Mr. Universe is the leading Republican candidate in the California recall ballot to replace Governor Gray Davis, and has drawn ire from women's groups over his days as a playboy bodybuilder.

"America should be governed by people who have a clue," Robison continued. "I hope he doesn't win."

This week, the Dixies return to England -- the site of the controversy that resulted in some U.S. country radio stations boycotting their music and the group receiving death threats -- before heading to Australia at the end of the month.

On October 12th, the politically minded Chicks head to Washington, D.C., to play a benefit concert for the Recording Artists Coalition.

AUGUSTIN SEDGEWICK
(September 9, 2003)