[J.C.]Watts Congratulates Governor-Elect Schwarzeneggar;GOPac Encouraged By Turnout

U.S.News ^ | October 8, 2003 | U.S. News

[Lady In Blue]

Watts Congratulates Governor-Elect Schwarzenegger; GOPAC Encouraged by Turnout, Schwarzenegger's Inroads Among Democrats

10/8/03 6:50:00 PM

---

To: National and State desks, Political Reporter

Contact: Kirsten Fedewa of GOPAC, 703-684-3339 Web: http://www.gopac.org

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- GOPAC Chairman and former Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr. congratulated Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger on his victory in the Oct. 7 recall election of Governor Gray Davis.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Schwarzenegger received over 3.6 million votes, or 48 percent, compared with Democratic Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, who received 2.4 million votes. More than 4.2 million voters, or 55 percent of the electorate, supported the recall effort.

"Yesterday's election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's victory was a clear case of democracy in action," said GOPAC Chairman J.C. Watts. "Arnold spoke of jobs, education, and the need for trust in government, and the people of California voted resoundingly in his favor. This is a new day in Sacramento and across the state."

Watts noted that, with Republican State Senator Tom McClintock capturing 13 percent of the vote, 6 of 10 Californians cast their ballots for candidates who support lower taxes and greater opportunity. Schwarzenegger's victory shows a crosscutting trend for Republicans in California, as he captured 43 percent of independents, 18 percent of Democrats and several of the Democrats' traditional constituencies (43 percent of women, 31 percent of Hispanics, 30 percent of union members and 17 percent of African- Americans).[emphasis,mine]

"Schwarzenegger's message crossed all economic, ethnic, and political lines," said Watts. "This is encouraging news for Republicans everywhere."

"Arnold's reaching out to the Democrats' traditional base shows that there is broad support for Republican ideas in California," Watts said. "He reached out to the entire state, regardless of party, gender, race or ethnicity, with a positive message of empowerment."

"Republicans had a great victory last night, but there is still a tough road ahead," said GOPAC Deputy Chairman Robb Lakritz. "California's economy demands attention and its systems of taxation and education need serious reform."

Schwarzenegger, who will take office in mid-November after the results are certified, will become the 38th governor of California. He will lead one of the world's largest economies, and oversee the largest state budget in the United States. With his victory, Republican governors now control the nation's four largest states (California, Texas, New York, and Florida).

http://www.usnewswire.com/

-0-

/© 2003 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

Printer Friendly Format

© 2003 U.S. Newswire

A Division of

[Texas Eagle]

Watts noted that, with Republican State Senator Tom McClintock capturing 13 percent of the vote, 6 of 10 Californians cast their ballots for candidates who support lower taxes and greater opportunity.

Uhhhhh....what about reducing the size, scope and cost of government?

[Support Free Republic]

Let's keep the Dem's on the run!
Click the Pic!

[Ford Fairlane]

slightly off topic, i wonder if JC will run for Senate in Oklahoma since i heard the current Senator is retiring

[Froggie]

Let's hope so -- the Dems worst nightmare, an intelligent, CONSERVATIVE, Republican African-American genuine football hero from a football-worshipping state - going to the Senate!!

[motherof 3]

I thought the same thing. Do you think he will? Could he win?