(Contra Costa Times) Democrats have battled Arnold Schwarzenegger over his government overhaul agenda for months, but now the Republican governor is under assault from traditional GOP supporters: law enforcement and firefighters.

His proposal to revamp public pensions, either through legislation or by initiative, has infuriated public safety employees who think it would eliminate death and disability benefits for families of those killed in the line of duty.

The governor's office insists that isn't the case, but political analysts say the flap is the latest sign that the governor's efforts to reform government are in trouble. Even some administration insiders think their message has been botched lately.

Law enforcement's vigorous response, including radio ads featuring tearful widows, has sent the administration scrambling. The governor held private meetings Thursday with a variety of police groups, telling them he would not allow benefits to fallen police officers and firefighters to be eliminated.