The San Diego Union-Tribune

SACRAMENTO — In a signal that business will have a significant voice inside the new administration, Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday named Richard Costigan — an executive with the California Chamber of Commerce — as legislative secretary.

Costigan, whose role with the chamber was chief lobbyist, worked in the past as a senior adviser in the Los Angeles-based law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

The appointment quickly drew criticism from consumer activists worried that business would have too much influence over the new governor.

“This appointment turns over the keys to the governor’s office to every special interest group in the state,” said Jamie Court, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.

In a statement, Schwarzenegger cited Costigan’s “substantial legislative experience” as the key reason he was selected.