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Davis doesn't plan to seek presidency
The San Jose Mercury News ^ | Published Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001, in the San Jose Mercury News | BY MARK GLADSTONE, Mercury News Sacramento Bureau

Posted on 12/20/2001 8:42:55 AM PST by StoneColdGOP

Governor falls short of removing himself from seeking higher office, however

SACRAMENTO -- Governor Gray Davis on Wednesday indicated that he has no plans to run for the presidency, saying that in recent months his ``ambitions have been moderated.''

But in an interview with Mercury News editors and reporters, the governor stopped short of removing himself from a race for higher office. If he wins re-election in November, Davis will automatically rise toward the top of prospective Democratic candidates for 2004.

``I'm focused on being the best governor I can be, getting us through difficult times. I have no plans to do anything else,'' Davis said during an interview in his Capitol offices.

Citing the tough decisions he's had to make to navigate California through the electricity crisis, Davis said: ``My ambitions have been moderated by just trying to keep the lights on,'' adding that he is ``very proud of the progress we've made.''

Sitting in the Ronald Reagan Cabinet Room, Davis, who will turn 59 next week, seemed relaxed and confident as he talked about his achievements during the past three years in the state's top office.

He is seeking re-election to a second four-year term and is expected to coast to the Democratic nomination in March. But he may face a tougher test from one of three major Republican challengers vying for the GOP nomination.

Two recent polls have shown that voters are leaning toward electing Republican Richard Riordan, the former mayor of Los Angeles.

In the Mercury News interview, Davis repeated a boast that he plans to win re-election by double digits.

Still, he seemed to be taking a more cautious approach to higher office. Davis is probably mindful of what happened to the last governor, Republican Pete Wilson. Just a year after winning re-election in 1994, Wilson jumped into the presidential race, breaking a promise that he would not run for president in 1996 and would serve out his full four-year term. Polls showed that voters faulted Wilson for that decision.

Davis would not preview how he plans to balance the budget as the state faces a shortage of $12 billion to $14 billion. He is scheduled to unveil his budget plan early in January.

The governor repeated comments he made earlier in the day to the annual conference of the League of California Cities, saying he is ``not going to balance the budget on the backs of local governments'' and that the state will continue to compensate them for money they have lost because of a reduction in vehicle license fees. ``I am committed to treat local governments like partners, not scapegoats,'' Davis said.

Recent polls have shown that voters have reservations about the way the state has handled such major issues as the economy, energy and education.

Davis trumpeted his time in office, saying ``I just think people don't fully appreciate that we helped save the economy'' by ensuring that the lights stayed on and limiting blackouts as electricity prices soared last year.

Said Davis: ``all of us together helped keep Silicon Valley business'' from leaving the state and ``looking for greener pastures.''


TOPICS: Extended News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
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President Gray Davis? I think not, he will NEVER follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan.
1 posted on 12/20/2001 8:42:56 AM PST by StoneColdGOP
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To: StoneColdGOP
Too bad Davis decided not to run for President. It would be really funny to see another democrat lose the presidential election along with his home state.
2 posted on 12/20/2001 8:49:09 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
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To: StoneColdGOP
Davis would only win California and New England. Running him for Pres. would be ideal for us.
3 posted on 12/20/2001 8:56:18 AM PST by Clemenza
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To: StoneColdGOP
Davis says his "``ambitions have been moderated.''"

Translation = I'm toast

4 posted on 12/20/2001 8:56:22 AM PST by YaYa123
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To: Gophack; StoneColdGOP; toenail; Impeach98; Dan from Michigan; RWGuy; homeschool mama; TwoStep...
What a dumb question to ask

By the middle of next November Davis and his major donor pal Riordan will be sitting in rocking chairs at the Home for Failed Liberal Politicians watching Geraldo on a cable-access channel.

Simon For Governor!

5 posted on 12/20/2001 9:00:20 AM PST by ElkGroveDan
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To: StoneColdGOP
Dimwit Davis for President? ROFLMAO!
6 posted on 12/20/2001 9:02:33 AM PST by kellynla
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To: Clemenza
Davis could NEVER carry California! He has proven to be a total waste as a governor, unable to deal with the energy crisis in that state.
7 posted on 12/20/2001 9:10:56 AM PST by TommyDale
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To: StoneColdGOP
``I'm focused on being the best governor I can be,

So far, nobody is impressed.

8 posted on 12/20/2001 9:12:24 AM PST by hattend
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To: TommyDale
Never underestimate the stupidity of the average contemporary California voter.
9 posted on 12/20/2001 9:20:46 AM PST by Clemenza
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To: StoneColdGOP
``I'm focused on being the best governor I can be, getting us through difficult times. I have no plans to do anything else,'' Davis said during an interview in his Capitol offices.

What'd he do, hire hitler clintoon's writers?? She said almost the same thing recently. . .

btw, Davis, you're dreaming if you think you're gonna be re-elected next year. Bu-bye!




10 posted on 12/20/2001 9:23:42 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
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To: StoneColdGOP
Davis doesn't plan to seek presidency???

For an even greater shock:

Tonto doesn't plan to seek presidency.

I'd have a better shot than he would.

11 posted on 12/20/2001 9:25:06 AM PST by TontoKowalski
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To: Clemenza
Davis would only win California and New England. Running him for Pres. would be ideal for us.

After the scandal-plagued governor of the most backward state in the Union won the presidency, I learned not to underestimate the persuasive power of Democrats -- or overestimate the perceptiveness of American voters.

12 posted on 12/20/2001 9:25:51 AM PST by JoeSchem
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To: YaYa123
Davis says his "``ambitions have been moderated.''"
Translation = I'm toast
Thanks for that! That was my sentiment as well. ;-)
13 posted on 12/20/2001 9:28:51 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
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To: StoneColdGOP
someone should do a story about the length of time it has taken this man to make appointments. There are so many commissions that have had vacant seats for years. Seems to me he has difficulty making decisions.
14 posted on 12/20/2001 9:31:28 AM PST by marsh2
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To: TommyDale
Davis could NEVER carry California!

NEVER underestimate the power of 'Rat voter fraud!

15 posted on 12/20/2001 9:32:50 AM PST by Bigg Red
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To: StoneColdGOP
"AmBITions have been modeRATed."
16 posted on 12/20/2001 9:33:29 AM PST by d14truth
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To: StoneColdGOP
Davis trumpeted his time in office, saying ``I just think people don't fully appreciate that we helped save the economy'' by ensuring that the lights stayed on and limiting blackouts as electricity prices soared last year.
No, DIM Light, the people saw the DIVISIVE finger pointing you did and saw it for what it was. . .

17 posted on 12/20/2001 9:36:49 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
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To: StoneColdGOP
Geez, somebody shake this idiot until he wakes up.
18 posted on 12/20/2001 9:37:53 AM PST by AppyPappy
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To: StoneColdGOP
I remember something the NRA claimed, that Al Gore lost the election (and his home state Tennessee) partly due to his anti-gun sympathies. "Red" Davis is anti-gun. After stating he wanted to wait and evaluate the existing gun laws, before signing new ones-he signs another gun control bill AB-35/SB-52 a month after September 11th! Sarah Brady was crowing about it. (AB-35/SB-52 originally a gun registration and licensing bill, which had been watered down after numerous complaints to another "safety certificate" renewable every five years-- invalidating the current safety certificates that were good for life. This one requires a thumbprint. "Red" Davis has his foot in the door for more gun control.) I pray "Red" Davis loses big time! Then again, this is Kalifornia!
19 posted on 12/20/2001 9:48:09 AM PST by NEWwoman
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To: Clemenza
I wouldn't count on him carrying California. The impact of his energy disater hasn't completely hit yet. He'll have trouble being re-elected governor.
20 posted on 12/20/2001 10:07:18 AM PST by stop_fascism
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