"RECALL RALLY - State Sen. William J. "Pete" Knight discusses California's recall election during a Greater Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Antelope Valley Country Club on Tuesday in Palmdale." EVELYN KRISTO Valley Press
Posted on 09/25/2003 9:42:44 PM PDT by BenLurkin
State Sen. William J. "Pete" Knight said Tuesday that it is going to take a "mini-revolution" to turn around the state of California. "I don't mean shoot 'em up," he said. "California's being governed by San Francisco and Los Angeles," said the Palmdale Republican, addressing about 50 members of the Greater Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at the AV Country Club.
"California is sinking under the influence of the liberal Democrats," Knight said.
Knight scoffed at criticisms by recall opponents that the attempt to oust Gov. Gray Davis impedes the Democratic process.
Reading from a list of names, at least one followed by a victorious chuckle, Knight recounted the numerous successful recalls that have taken place since they became an option in 1913.
"It's not something new; it's part of the California Constitution," Knight said. "We are now in the process of getting rid of an incompetent governor."
Announcing that the California Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Arnold Schwarzenegger as its candidate for governor, Knight said the moderate Republican actor is the only one who can win.
An 11-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday overturned a decision made last week by a three-judge panel to delay the recall. It's now back on the calender for Oct. 7.
For anyone who didn't already know, Knight said it again.
"The recall is on."
"We are now in the final throes of the three-ring circus of California," he said. "I think the third ring is about to close."
Knight accused the Democratic Party of exercising its "absolute power," he said, speaking of the Democratic majority in both the Senate and the Assembly.
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely," he said. Though Knight concedes that he doesn't necessarily agree with everything Schwarzenegger stands for, he said there is one thing he knows for sure.
"His name is followed by an 'R.' "
Schwarzenegger is considered a shoo-in by Republicans if the party can convince Tom McClintock to back out of the race.
Calling McClintock a "great guy" who knows the government inside and out, Knight echoed sentiments expressed by many party members. He can't raise the money to get elected and by staying in the race all he stands to do is spoil it for Schwarzenegger, Knight said.
Knight said the possible alternative is even worse.
If McClintock doesn't back out and the Republican vote is split, it's possible that Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante will win.
"If we elect Bustamante we'll be worse," Knight said, adding that the state would be better off voting "No" on the recall then ending up with Bustamante in office.
"Everybody is working as hard as they can to convince (McClintock) it's time to go," Knight said.
Concern regarding the struggle to get McClintock to back down had a few people present at the luncheon concerned. Some expressed faith that McClintock could do a good job.
"I would like to see McClintock," said Karl Moore, an Internet consultant. "But like (Knight) said, there's no way he can get elected."
One person expressed frustration over the Republican Party's inability to get organized.
"I can not believe the Republican Party is messing around with something so dear as our state and our children," said Republican Dr. Robert Scherer, chamber member.
"I can't understand why Republican leadership cannot get its act together," Scherer said.
Getting Republicans across the state to pull together is paramount as Oct. 7 nears, Knight said again and again.
"It's up to each and every one of you," Knight said, imploring people to spread the word.
"You mark your ballot 'Yes' on the first question, and you mark your ballot Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Legislation such as expanded rights for same-sex couples, increased taxes, crippling increases in the cost of workers' compensation and increased spending on social welfare programs were among the issues mentioned by Knight on Tuesday.
He also highlighted legislation signed by Davis that will provide a free community college education to illegal immigrants and allow them to obtain driver's licenses.
At his fingertips was a head count of the thousands of government jobs filled since Davis promised his hiring freeze.
And no pro-recall speech is complete without mention of how the Davis administration devoured a $10 billion surplus, leaving a $38 billion deficit in its wake.
Knight was applauded Tuesday for filing a lawsuit against AB 205, which gives same-sex couples nearly all the rights of married couples except for the right to file a joint tax return or to be legally married in the state.
"I know we can get (Schwarzenegger) to veto legislation," Knight said.
"That's the only hammer we have."
"RECALL RALLY - State Sen. William J. "Pete" Knight discusses California's recall election during a Greater Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Antelope Valley Country Club on Tuesday in Palmdale." EVELYN KRISTO Valley Press
Who knows, maybe then Arnold drops out and throws his votes to McClintock. If there is no last minute smear and at the end Arnold and Cruz are neck and neck then McClintock needs to do the right thing.
From the article: "Though Knight concedes that he doesn't necessarily agree with everything Schwarzenegger stands for, he said there is one thing he knows for sure. "His name is followed by an 'R.' "
If competence is defined by whoring oneself for Indian gambling money, McProstitute is indeed competent.
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