Playing the nice guy? California Gov. Gray Davis is hoping that residents of the state aren't paying attention or have a very short attention span. California, like many other states are facing a budget crisis. While the economy was booming, no state program had to go without, and it was the perfect opportunity to add a few more programs. Making cuts is never popular, and with an election coming up this fall, tax increases aren't conducive to re-election hopes.

So, what does a politically-savvy governor do when he's stuck between a rock and a hard place? He tries a little sleight of hand.

The January media advisory promised a dramatic tale: "Governor Gray Davis to save state trauma centers from budget ax."

What it didn't say: The governor's own Department of Finance had put the $25 million on the chopping block.

Three months later, the governor told 400 doctors who belong to the powerful California Medical Association that he would expand a health care program for children. He didn't mention his original plans to phase out the program.

In both cases, the governor essentially took credit for saving popular programs from himself. In neither case did he say he had reversed his position or explain why.

Together, the incidents show how Davis has tried to win favorable publicity during what is certain to be a thankless task: dealing with a daunting $17 billion budget deficit that could require massive cuts.

What a good plan! Why don't they try this everywhere? You say you're going to have to cut everything, then you become a hero by restoring some of it!

By doing this Davis makes himself look like something of a hero, but he also may be setting himself up for more trouble. Davis has already drawn scrutiny for his dealings with the state's prison guards union. Each time he "restores" one of these programs that had originally faced the budget ax, seasoned political reporters will cross-check the interest group served by the program and whatever political contributions have been made to Davis' campaign fund.

Whether or not there are any quid pro quos, Davis' methods are laying the groundwork necessary to create that appearance at every turn.