Posted on 02/10/2004 1:20:27 PM PST by calcowgirl
Edited on 04/13/2004 2:49:37 AM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
SACRAMENTO - The California Democratic Party Tuesday officially endorsed Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's March ballot initiatives, reinforcing the bipartisan packaging for the measures that are crucial to the governor's budget-balancing plan.
Democrats overwhelmingly supported the $15 billion bond and balanced-budget amendment in the Legislature, but declined to endorse the measures -- Propositions 57 and 58, respectively -- at their convention last month.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
WASHINGTON - Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday endorsed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's bond plan and warned of dire consequences if it fails, giving a key boost to the Republican governor from California's most popular Democratic politician.
Feinstein's endorsement for Propositions 57 and 58 came on the same day the state Democratic Party was expected to back the measures, which would authorize $15 billion of borrowing and require balanced budgets and a reserve fund in the future.
"These propositions will help the state avert the looming crisis and prevent a similar crisis from developing in the future," Feinstein said in a statement.
"If they fail, I believe the state will be pushed into a period of uncertainty making California's economic recovery very difficult, if not impossible. Companies will not invest in a state that is a cauldron of financial chaos. The problem must be addressed."
Both propositions must be approved by voters March 2 for either to take effect, but polls have shown voters reluctant to support Proposition 57.
Feinstein's backing came after personal lobbying by Schwarzenegger and could be key in helping the governor demonstrate strong bipartisan support for his plan.
SACRAMENTO — Giving a boost to the state's Republican governor, the California Democratic Party will announce today its endorsement of two ballot measures — Propositions 57 and 58 — that are at the center of Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts to bring California back from the financial brink.
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Leading Democrats have expressed support for the measure in recent weeks. And leaders in the party said Monday that they need it in order to forestall billions in cuts to cherished programs.
"We're going to come out for it tomorrow," said Senate President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) in an interview Monday night. "It lessens the economic crunch this year by $3 billion. If that doesn't happen, it's just $3 billion in cuts for [stuff] we care about."
Burton added: "I think, clearly, if Gray Davis was governor and proposed it we would also endorse it. Just to oppose it because it's proposed by a Republican governor doesn't make a lot of … sense."
Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles), the new Assembly speaker, on Monday also hinted at an endorsement.
"We support Prop. 57 and we support Prop. 58, and I think that you will see very shortly even the Democratic Party will come on board and support both of those initiatives. They are essential to our economic survivability. We need those in order for the state's fiscal crisis not to be pushed over a cliff."
bi·par·ti·san
Pronunciation: (")bI-'pär-t&-z&n, -s&n, -"zan, chiefly British "bI-"pär-t&-'zan
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, or involving Governor Arnold in collusion with members of the democratic party < a bipartisan effort >
Fabian Nunez, anchor baby extrordinare.
Fabian Nunez whose constituents, almost exclusively the consequences of illegal immigration, depend more heavily upon government largess than almost any other constituency in California.
Said the bankrupt man as he took on enormous new debts...
Hey! "It's for the children!"
Sacramento, California-AP -- California's Democratic leaders have reluctantly endorsed a 15 (b) billion-dollar bond issue on the state's March primary ballot.
They're also backing a companion measure that requires balanced budgets and a reserve fund in the future.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been campaigning for the measures, warning voters of severe service cutbacks and massive tax hikes if the plan is defeated.
Liberal State Senate President pro tem John Burton says there's no alternative. State Democratic Party chair Art Torres said: "Sometimes ... you have to make hard compromises." The state's two Democratic senators back the measures, too.
But state Treasurer Phil Angelides remains opposed, saying the plan "saddles our children and future budgets with debt."
Bond proceeds will pay off short-term loans. Three (b) billion dollars will be used to help close next year's budget gap.
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