(Chron) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unexpectedly dropped his plan to overhaul public pensions, succumbing Thursday to pressure from firefighters and police officers who had opposed the proposal that seemed headed for the ballot this year.

Schwarzenegger's reversal was a victory for his opponents, who believe sinking poll numbers and constant protests have damaged the governor's ability to move his agenda forward. They called on him to abandon any thoughts of a special election this November on issues ranging from teacher tenure to legislative redistricting.