Unfortunately, I think Davis is toast.

[fizzana]

Firstly, let me state that I have never voted for anyone to the right of the Democrat Party and I intend to vote against the recall and for Bustamante on Tuesday.

I've also never been much of a fan of Davis. He has always been far too cosy with special interests, particularly the prison guard union.

He's done some dumb things in the past couple of years such as tripling the auto tax and panicking during the energy crisis and getting California into horrendous long term energy prices. He also could have been far more aggressive and out front in fighting for California during the energy crisis. Most Californians are still oblivious to the fact that the major reason for the energy crisis was Pete Wilson, the energy companies and a compliant Bush White House.

That aside, for someone who is the consumate campaigner, he's run about the lamest campaign I've seen in years. The ad's I've seen him run are lame at best and he hasn't used the energy crisis once. Why hasn't he pinned the energy crisis on Schwartzenegger who is benig backed by Pete Wilson and who met with Ken Lay a few years ago to help Enron rape California. Instead the only time we are seeing the energy crisis is in ads attacking Davis & Bustamante.

I've always thought that a strong Democrat state like California ought to produce a far better Democrat Governor than Davis. Up to now he's had it easy in elections and in running the state but now that his back is up against it, he's proving he doesn't have what it takes.

I acknowledge that Ahnold is getting all the media attention right now and that is tough to fight against but I would have expected Davis to put up a better fight.

I am also predicting that unless California turns around very quickly, Ahnold will also be subject to a recall within a year. The threshhold is so low to get one in California that it won't be too hard.

[Must_B_Free]

1. David must be an actor taking orders

so that dereg could be blamed on a democrat
ed: Davis - not David

[Classical_Liberal]

2. Who is David?

?

[Gloria]

3. As a non-Californian, I've been wondering if Davis has done any

campaign stuff at all in terms of ads, etc. It seems like it's all Arnold. Where has Davis been on Enron? Did Ariana ever really hammer on it???

Seems to me the main issue could have been the recall itself and the GOP's underlying motives. You could have scared Californians to death with what the GOP means to do to social programs, etc.

It's upsetting enough to see this from outside the state...I'm so glad I'm not there! The thought of seeing that steroid laden creep as gov....

[mitchtv]

33. they say he has, but hasn't bought any ads on TV

in this area Inland with the money he collected , I think he could afford it. He seems to be concedeing large areas of the state.(if you don't buy ads, you get no coverage in Riverside county any way. I am very dissapointed by his non presence in these parts- many seniors, gays, latinos. NOT a Peep!

[a_random_joel]

4. Ahem.

1. far too cosy with special interests

Name a pol who isn't.

2. tripling the auto tax

That would be his predecessor, Wilson.

3. panicking during the energy crisis

He panicked as Enron manipulated the energy market here after deregulation enacted by Wilson, and went to the Feds who told him to take a hike. Brownouts or higher costs with no assistance from the Feds. What would you do?

Davis is no saint, I'll grant. Find me a pol who is.

[chaumont58]

9. Yep

succinct(sp?)

[fizzana]

14. Davis tripled the auto tax.

It only came into effect 2 days ago.

[Qutzupalotl]

16. He cut it earlier, in his first term.

Sent out refunds, too.

[charlie]

20. Isn't the tax pegged to general revenues

and "triggered" as they fall?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

24. Yes but nobody pays attention to policy and one particular poster on this

thread does not know her ass from a hole in the ground.

[fizzana]

27. If the policy is pegged to revenues

how come the tax can be reversed.

Also I'm male, not female.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

29. I wasn't referring to you..there is a poster on this thread that slams dem

every chance she gets.

The tax can only be reversed if they eliminate the 8 billion remaining deficit from somewhere else but this would be difficult since some of last year's deficit was refinanced so Arnold would STILL need to make up the 4 billion that the car tax accounts for. Even Republicans acknowledge that this can only be accomplished by further cuts. Further cuts will be wildly unpopular as they will ALL be service related. There were only a handful of Repubs holding out on signing the budget.

No matter WHO takes office, they will need to increase taxes or FEES for colleges, vehicles and the like...as did WIlson and Duekmajian.

[Classical_Liberal]

30. I don't slam dems every chance I get

I challange you to prove that assertion. Since I am a Dean supporter, it will make you look pretty dumb. I am critical of Davis however, who is too conservative for me, and merely a lessor evil. I believe he is going personal and avoiding deregulation, because he could have reregulated and didn't which proves he wasn't opposed to it. You yourself said PG&E wasn't a natural monopoly, which is a position one sees in republicans mostly. I think the worst thing about Davis's campaign is partisans like yourself, who smear people who aren't automatically for Davis. I preferred Arianna, until she dropped.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

31. You still haven't read my post #11...post some facts

you have none which is why you can't. You slam Davis every chance you get without cause. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[Classical_Liberal]

32. Was PG&E a natural monopoly? yes or no

?

Did Davis bail out PG&E? yes or no?

Is Davis supporting the Clean elections intiative which would make the repuke money advantage go away overnight. Yes or No?

All you did was list a bunch of highly spun achievements, which is hardly detail.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

36. I am no longer even going to respond to you

Your intentions are clear. Slam dems help republicans.

as for highly spun achievements, tell that to the partners of gay employees who had no healthcare ... you intentions are clear. Slam Davis, help Republicans and discredit his actual accomplishments.

[Classical_Liberal]

37. I don't love Davis

and don't think he is that great. He is better than Arnold because Arnold represents the deregulators. That's it. Your meaness is hardly inspiring.

I don't slam all Dems. I challenge you to prove that I do.

[mitchtv]

39. "he is better than Arnold"?

I guess you have changed ---a little-- last week it was different

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Classical_Liberal]

52. No I haven't

I just said he was a moderate Dem, and Arnold was a conservative republican, so I was voting Arianna because she was better than both, and closer to my views.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Classical_Liberal]

42. She still criticizes Davis for taking money from special interests

. So no it doesn't hurt my position at all. She recognizes Davis is a lessor evil as I do.

[mitchtv]

46. that's not what youwere saying last week

and I think you are the one that's been preaching arnold will be no worse than Davis . Question What kind of Democrat would say such things during a campaign? Arianna never said anything like that - Its enabling to the pukes to give them ammunition ( some of it wrong,not all,)?Of course as an out of stater I felt you were being very Cavalier about what "you" were willing to accept for us.

[Classical_Liberal]

51. I said I didn't much care, and didn't think it would be catastrophic

because Arnold is relatively moderate, so I was going to vote Arianna. Arianna dropped. I am not a straight ticket voter in all instances. Most Americans aren't. There is less incentive to be a straight ticket voter now that we have people in our party who don't believe that companies like PG&E aren't a natural monopoly. That is a republican prosition NSMA believes. You dont' think I am a good dem. I don't think davis is a good Dem.

[Classical_Liberal]

I'm pretty sure I didn't say Arnold was a breath of fresh air

Why don't you cite where I said it.

[mitchtv]

49. can't be bothered -you said it and more

.

[Classical_Liberal]

53. If I said it, then you should cite where I did!

or not make the claim.

[fizzana]

35. Never mind

I do agree that Schwarzengroper will be a disaster for california. He might talk like a social liberal but with Pete Wilson pulling his strings I don't trust anything he says.

My original post was partly due to my frustration at seeing how Davis is running his campaign.

My hope is that enough minorities, Union workers & state employees will be sufficiently scared that they will come out and vote in large enough numbers to make the difference. I don't entirely trust the polls we've been seeing lately.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

41. I just wanted to make sure you knew I was trying to address your questions

that I meant no disrespect to you and that I was trying to address WHY Arnold can't keep his word without hurting someone somewhere.

There is ANOTHER poster on this thread that drives me to fits with her deliberate obfuscation but there is a feature in the software to help me with that,,the problem is if i use it people buy her position which is based in propaganda.

my apologies..I understood where you were coming from in your initial post...I wasn't criticizing you..just trying to express why it has been so hard to get this message across even on DU.

[Classical_Liberal]

44. I don't deliberatly obfuscate

I call them how I see them. Davis is a conservative Dem.

[mitchtv]

47. not a conservative Dem

centrist just fine with most of Calif

[Classical_Liberal]

54. Centrist is a conservative Dem

I think a Liberal Dem would be better, which is why I liked Arianna.

[mitchtv]

55. I like leberal Dems better too

but i don't go around trashing centrists during a campaign with any Puke. Ifit were a liberal Dem runnig that might change. What I think you fail to understand is ANY dem is betterthan Any Puke.Your willingness to settle for a puke only proves that you don't give a shit for California.

[Classical_Liberal]

56. I also said I thought Arianna would drop if she was to be a spoiler

and she did. This smear politics will get you know-where. Your litmus is just different from mine. I'll bet if Davis were a social conservative you wouldn't get too enthused.

[mitchtv]

57. imagine that ;a lecture on smear politics from Classical liberal

teapot to kettle- you're black

[Classical_Liberal]

62. I think most people can see who is the aggressor here

.

[a_random_joel]

60. I'm confused

In this post you say:
"I think a Liberal Dem would be better"

but in post 30 you say:
"Since I am a Dean supporter"

The only people who call Dean Liberal are Pukes. That's kind of interesting. I like Dean, but he is clearly no Liberal, Iraq position notwithstanding. His record is pretty Centrist.

Really interesting.

[Classical_Liberal]

64. I didn't call Dean a liberal Dem

and you know that, so you are being obtuse. I said I am a Liberal Dem. This is pretty obvious even with your quote, which I believe you deliberately misread. Dean is more open to progressivism than Davis. I will accept a more conservative Dem in the nation because the nation at large is more conservative. Davis on the other hand is in a liberal state and is just taking up space of someone who would be better in my view. Dean would be better. I also distinguish between people who have the blessings of the DLC and those who don't. The DLC doesn't like Dean so I figure he intends to be a progressive. So there.

[a_random_joel]

65. Sorry for being obtuse

I thought your name was Classical_Liberal. Silly me.

BTW, do you live in Cali?

[Classical_Liberal]

69. no

.

[Andromeda]

66. Centrist is NOT conservative...

there is a big difference between the two. Arianna is not a registered Democrat. She is an independent who used to be a conservative Republican until she saw the light.

Please don't call moderate or centrist Democrats, conservative. Davis is not a conservative either. He is a moderate and if you look at his positions on women's issues such as choice and family leave you would see that.

Don't misrepresent Gray Davis by attaching labels on him that don't fit.

[Classical_Liberal]

70. He is a conservative Democrat

which is a moderate. I want someone who is liberal on economic issues as well. His opponant isn't a social conservative, so the fact that Davis isn't doesn't mean much.

[gristy]

5. A more accurate title to your thread would be

"Davis is running a lame campaign, in my opinion"

It does NOT, I repeat, NOT follow that he is toast. Remember, he's running against a Hitler-admiring women-groping, almond-stuffed condom.

[chaumont58]

12. I live in Ca

Davis' ad campaigns have not been all over the air waves. Hopefully, this weekend will be different. I do believe he has some mean sobs on his staff, and if he will turn them loose, they will tear Swatzengropper as new asshole.

[mitchtv]

43. he had fucking better do SOMETHING!

not a word from here in the Coahella Valley Arnold and Mcclintock all over the tv(I don't listen to the kind of radio stations that advertise politics i supppose, cause none of any kind)) ther are many seniors, gays, latinos out here and they are being ignored, as if he thinks he can win in LA and NorCal alone. Non Campaign is what he's doing. Those big name appearances get 5 to 10 secs on tv news.The Indian casinos are probably the lagest employers out here(together), and yet, not one ad from them either, excpt the one they bought for Mc Clintock.

[David__77]

58. I think your region has been "written off."

I think that's mistake, but that must be the case. I live Sacramento, and I've seen equal amounts of adds on both sides.

[mitchtv]

67. Now why would a region be written off?

it's not as if we were depemding on electoral votes. vote is a vote and he needs every last one. His non presence is costing him dearly , I fear. All the charges are sticking , cause there is no one to refute them or tie Arnold to Wilson and simon. Not a peep. today however , I got a canned call from Nancy pelosi for no on 54- no word about recall , just 1/2 hr ago , i got a canned call from Sharon Davis for Gray.

[Dudley_DUright]

59. I believe Molly Ivins specifically mentioned

walnuts, but your point is well taken. :-)

[Wetzelbill]

6. If Davis didn't have the personality and cuddliness of

a sack of wet leaves things might be different.

Definitely,California could and should be able to produce a very good Democratic governor. It's beyond me that Dems like Davis get the nod and that a Republican as inept as Pete Wilson was ever elected in the first place.

Davis isn't putting up a much of a fight because his whole political career is about him looking less vile than the guy he is running against. He's been so crucified over an energy crisis that wasn't his doing, plus all over-the-top the Arnold attention that the guy doesn't know what to do. Right now Davis can't muster up the fluff to make himself look less sordid than a documented male chauvinist.

[Classical_Liberal]

7. It's the politics of small differences

It always generates these personal campaigns, but the forces behind arnold are fairly scary and responsible for the energy crisis. They should have been the focus.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. the politics of small differences? See post 11 and please compare this

with what I must assume must be your expert knowledge of Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian..his two predecessors since you are an expert on policy in my state.

[Classical_Liberal]

15. He is running against Arnold

. Although with Wilson as his campaign manager he should be able to make some REAL potshots.

[haymaker]

8. Plenty of Repuke talking points buried in your post.

Just vote no on the recall.

[Classical_Liberal]

10. Just because she thinks Davis should focus on deregulation

doesn't make her a repuke. Sorry.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

11. Your post is proof that media spin is hypnotic

I've also never been much of a fan of Davis. He has always been far too cosy with special interests, particularly the prison guard union.
There is not a statewide candidate that can make it into office in California without the support of law enforcement. They are the largest most powerful lobby in the state. He gave them a raise. That's all. Any prisons built were built by bond initiatives voted into existance by ballot propostition. The majority of increased prison spending was due to the cost of providing healthcare to prisoners mandated by a case brought against the state combined with an increase in healthcare costs that outpaced inflation by double digits.

If he doesn't raise funds, Democrats can't get advertising and compete with Republicans. Davis' fundraising brought Dems UP along with him so much co that they won every statewide office last November.

He's done some dumb things in the past couple of years such as tripling the auto tax and panicking during the energy crisis and getting California into horrendous long term energy prices. He also could have been far more aggressive and out front in fighting for California during the energy crisis. Most Californians are still oblivious to the fact that the major reason for the energy crisis was Pete Wilson, the energy companies and a compliant Bush White House.

He was the one who LOWERED vehicle registration fees increased under Pete Wilson. The law provided at the time that should the state budget go into the red the fees had to go back up. IT would have occurred no matter who was in office.

The energy crisis is far too complex to address here but spot prices were rising when he signed those contracts and the FERC was refusing to step in.


That aside, for someone who is the consumate campaigner, he's run about the lamest campaign I've seen in years. The ad's I've seen him run are lame at best and he hasn't used the energy crisis once. Why hasn't he pinned the energy crisis on Schwartzenegger who is benig backed by Pete Wilson and who met with Ken Lay a few years ago to help Enron rape California. Instead the only time we are seeing the energy crisis is in ads attacking Davis & Bustamante

The media ws hammering him for blaming others. It would not have worked. Furthermore, the DNC pushed to have another candidate on the ballot which SPLIT the available donors to combat the recall. Dems are NOT at a dollar advantage with Republicans especially those who get free air time daily.

I've always thought that a strong Democrat state like California ought to produce a far better Democrat Governor than Davis. Up to now he's had it easy in elections and in running the state but now that his back is up against it, he's proving he doesn't have what it takes.



No people bought the spin and abandoned him. Not all of his policies have been great but they were heads and shoulders above his 2 predecessors.

Below are some of his accomplishments:
CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY


EDUCATION

The greatest investment in K-12 education ever.
In his first three years, increased investment in K-12 education by $9.1 billion, or 39 percent – the largest three-year increase in history.
An historic expansion of the Cal-Grant program to help disadvantaged students who need financial assistance to pay for college.
Four-Percent Admissions Program – has increased UC freshman admissions among African-American students by more than 13 percent for Fall 2001.
$1,000 merit scholarships for high-achieving students in every school.
Academic Mentor program, serving 17,000 at-risk students


CALIFORNIA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST
As of January 2002, Governor Davis had appointed 13 cabinet secretaries, 178 judges, 46 department directors, 377 department and agency staff members and 1,202 members of boards and commissions and 251 nonstatutory appointments.

He has averaged three appointments a day, keeping pace with previous administrations.

When Gray Davis took office, he promised that his Administration would reflect the great diversity that California has to offer.

The Davis administration has included many "firsts" for California - including the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff and the first African-American to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services. He has appointed the highest total percentage of female appointees ever. And his overall percentages of female and minority judicial appointments far exceeds that of his predecessors.

In October 2001, Governor Davis made his first and only appointment to the California Supreme Court, Justice Carlos Moreno. Justice Moreno was the only candidate to receive a unanimous vote of “exceptionally well qualified” by the State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation.

On July 31, 2000, the Governor named former State Court of Appeal Justice Harry Low as Insurance Commissioner, an appointment that restored credibility and integrity to that important office. He is currently the highest-ranking Asian American in California state government.

Governor Davis has also appointed the first woman chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission and the first Vietnamese-American as a judge in Southern California. And Governor Davis appointed five openly gay individuals to the bench, the first such appointments in over 16 years.

In addition, the Governor appointed the first Latina and Asian Pacific American to cabinet positions, the first Latinas to serve as director of Health Services and director of Social Services, and the first Asian American to serve as the director of the Department of Conservation.

CHILDREN
“At a time when children should be full of promise and potential, uninsured children face big obstacles to achieving their dreams. I am convinced that healthier children today mean a more productive, more prosperous California tomorrow.” – Governor Gray Davis

Governor Gray Davis is committed to protecting the health and safety of California’s 9.7 million children. During the past two years, he has launched initiatives to ensure that every child has the ability to reach his or her full potential. For example, the Davis Administration has implemented programs for foster children, placing them into good, caring homes. It is also making it easier for parents to insure their children through programs such as “Healthy Families,” which provides high-quality health care to children of middle and low-income working families.

Infant Health

Governor Davis is committed to accelerating the downward trend in California’s infant mortality rate. Nationally, California has had the lowest infant mortality of the 10 largest states for the past three years. More than 11 percent of live births in California involve exposure to drugs or alcohol or both. Governor Davis is working to reverse these trends by providing funding to various programs that help to ensure the health of each child born in this state.

The Davis Administration has worked to increase the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program. The program provides health care coverage for pregnant mothers and infants. Governor Davis also signed into law a bill that allows California Indian tribes to participate in the AIM Program and the Major Rick Medical Insurance Program by paying required fees of premiums on behalf of members of the tribe.

Governor Davis has continued the Black Infant Health Program works to ensure the health of African-American infants. Under Governor Davis, the budget for the program has doubled and will provide needed services to high-risk African-American women.

Hazardous Substances

Governor Davis has taken action to protect California’s children from environmental pollutants.

In September 2000, Governor Davis signed a bill that requires the State Department of Health Services to determine the levels of hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in the drinking water systems of the San Fernando Basin aquifer. This is the chemical featured in the film “Erin Brockovich.” The film is about a legal secretary’s research into environmental hazards that helped more than 600 plaintiffs in Hinckley, California win a $333 million settlement. The State Department of Health Services, in consultation with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, will also assess the exposures and risks to the public of the levels of hexavalent chromium determined.

This year, Governor Davis allocated $2.8 million to assist in investigations and provide technical assistance related to the cleanup of hazardous substances at school sites. He also set aside $1 million to evaluate indoor air quality in portable classrooms.

Children’s Safety

In 1999, Governor Davis signed gun safety bills that give California the toughest and most far-reaching gun safety laws in the nation. He is strongly committed to establishing effective means to protect children and is determined to move forward with comprehensive measures that reduce crime and increase the security of California’s citizens. This year, Governor Davis signed various bills to enhance the penalties for child abuse.

Governor Davis signed a bill that is designed to improve the handling of child sexual abuse allegations in contested custody cases. This bill requires court-connected and private custody evaluators to participate in domestic violence training. It also authorizes the family courts to report to local child protective services agencies when conducting an investigation into serious allegations of child sexual abuse that are made during child custody hearings.

The identity of the minors named in the records will be kept confidential because of a bill that Governor Davis signed. This new law authorizes a County Juvenile Justice Commission to access court and other confidential records to investigate possible abuses in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Juvenile courts are also authorized to bring in private service providers, to evaluate orders regarding the care, custody and control of a dependent child.

PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
California is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – from beautiful beaches and coastline to snow-capped mountains and lush old-growth forests. Our state’s residents are defined by their great respect for environmental consciousness, and the Davis Administration has sought to uphold that deep commitment.

Governor Davis believes that environmental protection and economic growth must go hand-in-hand. That is why he’s worked with business and industry to craft an environmental policy that is balanced and fair, yet built upon our fundamental environmentalist nature and values.

PARKS

The largest resource bond in state history.

Supported and actively campaigned for Proposition 12, the first successful park bond since 1988. Passed by voters in 2000, the bond allocated $2.1 billion for the acquisition and protection of parks, agricultural lands, and open space.
Implemented an across-the-board reduction in state park visitor fees.
Signed legislation placing the $2.6-billion “Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Bond Act” on the March 2002 ballot.
Established an urban parks initiative and called for the creation of the Los Angeles River Parkway.

LAND ACQUISITIONS

Bringing state parks to where people live.
Governor Davis fought for and won a $100-million Natural Heritage Tax Credit, the largest of its kind anywhere in America.
Governor Davis created a $495-million acquisition agreement for the “Headwaters” forest – saving 7,500 acres of old-growth coastal redwoods forest.
He also included $95 million to acquire lands and develop key river parkways statewide – such as the Los Angeles River and San Joaquin River Parkway.

WATER QUALITY

California is the first state in the nation to meet certain federal clean water standards, using an innovative approach addressing both inland and coastal pollution in one program.
Supported and actively campaigned for Proposition 13, which earmarks $1.9 billion for water supply reliability, safe drinking water, flood control, and water conservation projects.
Signed the toughest water quality enforcement law in the nation requiring mandatory penalties for pollution.
Negotiated with U.S. Department of the Interior to address California’s water supply, water quality, and ecosystem restoration needs through the CALFED Bay-Delta program – the nation’s most comprehensive water management system.
$21.3 million in the 2001-02 budget for water quality efforts, including reducing pollution from dairies and storm water.
Governor Davis ordered the phase-out of the hazardous fuel additive MTBE, and petitioned the U.S. EPA to grant a waiver allowing California to bypass requirements for oxygen in gas, on the grounds that it would be counter productive and add unnecessary cost.
Provided $13.5 million in the 2001-02 budget to preserve and restore wetlands around Lake Tahoe.

COASTAL PROTECTION

An unprecedented commitment to California’s coast.
Governor Davis has provided $107 million to clean up coastal pollution and reduce the number of beach closure days.
Signed legislation strengthening beach and coastal protections.
Filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior to block additional offshore oil drilling.
Vetoed the “Rigs-to-Reefs” bill which would have allowed oil companies to leave decommissioned oil platforms in place.





Gays and lesbians



Governor Gray Davis has worked to honor the diverse families which call California home. He’s signed legislation to level the playing field and guarantee protections for lesbian and gays in California.



During his first three years, Governor Davis’ reforms included:



Domestic Partners legislation establishing the nation’s first statewide registry for domestic partnerships, and providing hospital visitation rights for domestic partners. The bill also makes health benefits available to the domestic partners of state employees and permits local governments to provide domestic partners’ benefits to their employees. Governor Davis has also worked with Assemblymember Migden this year to craft a bill for him to sign expanding domestic partnership benefits.
The California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000, which prohibits harassment and discrimination of students in California’s schools on the basis of sexual orientation.
Gov. Davis revoked state regulations automatically opposing the adoptions of foster children by gay and other unmarried couples. This rule impacts all California adoption agencies, county welfare departments and social service agencies.
The Governor opposed Proposition 22, the Knight Initiative. Gov. Davis appeared in television commercials and campaigned publicly in opposition.


Creating a Level Playing Field


Californian is known for its tolerance towards different lifestyles. Governor Davis has sought to ensure that California’s laws live up to those values by preventing discrimination in housing, jury selection, academic admission, and other areas.



Fair Employment and Housing Act – prohibits discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of sexual orientation.
Governor Davis signed into law legislation that prohibits exclusion from jury service based on sexual orientation.
Strengthened government and civil code rules to prevent discrimination.
Through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, cracked down on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and bias-related hate violence.
Appointed a Diversity Task Force, consisting of business, academic, and community leaders, to make recommendations on outreach efforts for academic admissions, state contracts, and other programs to increase diversity.


The War Against Hate


All Californians are not safe until every Californian is safe. Governor Davis has signed legislation which provides protections for gays and lesbians against hate crimes.



Signed into law legislation to establish a mandatory life sentence without parole for hate murders.
Toughened penalty for hate crimes by empowering prosecutors to collect the $25,000 penalty for victims of hate crimes under the Ralph Civil Rights Act.
Created a Blue Ribbon panel to study laws combating "hate groups" operating in California.
Proclaimed October 15, 2000 “Remembrance Day,” to honor those who have died violent deaths because of their sexual orientation.
Proclaimed August 7-14, 2000 “Hate Crime Awareness Week.”


A Seat at the Table


When selecting appointees to serve in his Administration, Governor Davis has used one criteria above all else: whether they can do the job well. Today, a record number of gay and lesbian appointees serve in senior positions within the Governor’s office and at state agencies and departments.



Governor Davis’ appointments include:

Susan Kennedy – Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary

Daniel Zingale – Director, Department of Managed Care

Rita Saenz – Director, Department of Social Services

Kathryn Jett – Director, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs

Chuck Supple – Executive Director, California Commission for Improving Life Through Service



HEALTH CARE
“Healthier individuals today mean a more productive, more prosperous California tomorrow. Children especially need a healthy start in order to reach their full potential. I won’t be completely satisfied until every child in the state of California has access to quality, affordable health care.” – Governor Gray Davis

Governor Gray Davis has continued his commitment to providing quality health care to all Californians. Through his 2000-2001 budget and other legislative action, the governor has made quality health care more accessible than ever before for California.

Health Care For Kids

Governor Davis has been aggressive in his efforts to provide health coverage to children of low to middle-income families through the Healthy Families Program. First Lady Sharon Davis has become the program’s spokeswoman, and the governor and First Lady launched an extensive outreach campaign to increase the enrollment in the Healthy Families Program so that every California child is insured.

Governor Davis’ efforts increased enrollment in the Healthy Families Program (HFP) from 56,000 to nearly 350,000 children in just 22 months. Program changes and enhancements included:

Simplified Application Process – Reduced the application from 28 to 4 pages, and eliminated complicated mathematical calculations.
Expanded Eligibility – Petitioned the federal government to raise the income ceiling for family eligibility from 200 to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, making 175,000 more California children eligible for the program.
Increased Funding – Provided enough funding to enroll 511,000 children.
Legal Immigrant Children – Covered recent legal immigrant children under the program, and signed legislation to provide continued, ongoing coverage for immigrant children.
Coverage For Parents – The governor signed legislation requiring the HFP to be expanded to cover the uninsured parents of eligible children, and will be submitting a waiver request to the federal government to permit the coverage of parents. Providing access to parents will significantly improve health care for the families of the state’s uninsured children.
Expanded Outreach – Governor Davis significantly augmented the Healthy Families Program and Medi-Cal to target hard-to-reach children by expanding funding for media outreach by $10 million for a total of $31.8 million in FY 2000-01.
1998 SCHIP funds – The governor is proactively working with the California Congressional delegation to create a suitable use for federal funds provided for HFP in the program’s start-up phase. California, and 40 other states, were unable to use all of the $590 million the state was provided by the federal government.
Reforming HMO’S
Governor Davis signed some of the strongest HMO reform laws in the nation. The governor enacted into law 21 bills giving Californians new health care rights, ensuring that HMOs put patients first. Included in the reform package was the establishment of the Department of Managed Care, the first state agency in the nation devoted solely to improving the managed health care system. In addition, during the 2000 legislative session, Governor Davis signed legislation to further strengthen California’s HMO reforms.

http://www.graydavis.com/Accomplish/Accomplishment.asp?iAccomplishmentId=115

[gristy]

18. Good, detailed response NSMA!

Your command of the CA issues is commendable. Keep up the fight!

Question: ADo you see many yard signs or bumper stickers in CA? If I was out there I'd make a big sign for the back window of my car:

READ: www.graydavis.com/Accomplish
VOTE: NO on the recall; YES for Bustamonte

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. There aren't alot of posters pro or con down here

There wasn't alot of time or money. THE GOTV has largely focussed on our base.

[shanti]

23. i haven't seen ANY signs for gray davis

but there have been a sprinkling for mcclintock and LOTS of them for ahnold. i'm in sacramento and when i ride the train in to work downtown, there's a huge ahnold sign stuck to the back of someone's (garage-parked) car that greets me every friggin day. if i had a felt tip pen...:evilgrin:

[a_random_joel]

61. I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who can back up

their assertions with facts.

Kudos, NSMA!

[mitchtv]

68. my hero!

.

[prolesunited]

17. A few questions for you

Instead of spreading doom and gloom, what have you done to either campaign against the recall or help get Bustamante in office?

Will you be working phone banks this weekend or flyering?

What are you doing Tuesday to GOTV? Are you going door to door, driving friends and neighbors?

I don't live in California, but if I did, I would be out there getting busy, not wringing my hands as if it was a forgone conclusion, but that's just me.

[gristy]

19. ditto

Your whole original post, fizzana, is really nothing but a slam against Davis. I cannot understand why you would post such diatribe if you do not want him recalled.

[fizzana]

26. I'm sorry if you see it that way but answer me this.

Why hasn't he once tried to defend himself against the accusations coming from the other side regarding the energy crisis.

That's something that hit every Californian but if you didn't know any better but only watched the ads on TV yhou would think he was the cause of it.

The reality is that he hasn't run a good campaign.

Also regarding an earlier accusation that everyone cosies up to law enforcement are you aware that Davis has benied all but one parole in all his time as governor. This where the parole board has already approved the parole. He recently denied parole to a prisoner who is dying of AIDS and cancer and is already suffering dementia. He has a few months to live and the parole board felt he should be able to spend that with his family. That shows a complete lack of compassion.

[fizzana]

22. I'm not wringing my hands.

Just accepting what's going on.

Unfortunately my own reality is intruding on my ability to help Davis or Bustamante right now. My house is in foreclosure and if I don't come up with $4,000 later this month I lose my home. I'm self employed as is my wife and we're both working around the clock to make enough money to keep our heads above water. It sucks but that's reality. (working this whole weekend as well unfortunately.)

[PROGRESSIVE1]

25. This SF Chronicle "survey" has the recall failing...

58%-35%!!! It's mostly based upon party affiliation but it may make you feel better!

Link:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi
file=/g/a/2003/10/03/gatepoll1.DTL

[Clete]

28. Here's why he can beat the recall.

In the LA Times today.

<snip>
October 3, 2003


COMMENTARY
A Recall Election? Been There, Won That at Age 18
Michael Moore wooed voters as a teen by sticking to his principles.

I am one of the few people who truly knows what Gray Davis is going through this week because I too once had to go through a recall election. And I won.

I believe there is still the crazy chance he can too.

Long before I was making movies or writing books or going after elected officials, I was an elected official. In fact, I held the record as the youngest officeholder in the country. Just months after the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, I was elected, at the age of 18, to a seat on the Board of Education in the school district where I lived in Michigan. I was still a senior in high school, and the idea of becoming the boss of the high school principal was just too good to pass up.<snip>
more at http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/recall/commentary/la-oe-moore3oct03,1,4148688.story

Also required reading right here at DU. Why Gray Davis can't be recalled.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=459617

[charlie]

34. I still don't think it's smart to write Gray Davis off

Has there ever been a time when he wasn't dismissed as toast by the cognoscenti?

I love that Gray Davis thread, especially the bit where you-know-who pops in with a starry-eyed "Izzat really you, governor?"

[xxqqqzme]

45. congrats - yet another person 2 buy N2

the triple car tax spin - Pete Wilson signed this legislation - NOT DAVIS - vehicle registration fees are THE major source of income for your COUNTY and CITY - the fees DO NOT go 2 the state. The tripling of the fees ONLY kicks in when the county's revenue falls below a certain amount.

It is rethug spin that this is Davis' fault. If U have lived in California in the last 10 years - then U know registration fees have been steady. That is because the entire country was enjoying prosperity and your county and city's revenues were up.

I am not orgasmic over Davis but he has signed some important legislation protecting woman's right to choose as well as good environmental legislation. The 'energy crisis' wasn't - it was manufactured - Davis's hands were tied because of the rethugs & Wilson's deregulation signed in the 80's.

[fizzana]

48. My mistake on the car tax thing then.

Was there anyway Davis could have prevented the rule from kicking in?

And if it was Wilson's creation WTF hasn't he brought thsi up in campaigns. The fact that I was ignorant of this shows that this aspect of it has been flying well below the radar.

[webtrainer]

50. Davis is sure associated with the 3x car tax by many . . .

including myself (until reading this thread), I must admit. Of course, I just think that people can buy cars under 20k and not have to pay the extra tax. Unless I'm so out of touch that I'm thinking of a completely different tax. What do I know, I drive a car worth maybe $500 . . .

[Capn Sunshine]

63. Subject to recall in a Year???

try the NEXT FRIKKING DAY.
:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RecallArnold/