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Pete Wilson Rally 10/31/90 [OA 7563] [2]
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Pete Wilson Rally 10/31/90 [OA 7563] [2]
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1
2
California Republican Party
1903 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, California 91506
(818 841-5210
MEMORANDUM
CALIFORNIA
Dan Schnur
TO:
NATIONAL POLITICAL MEDIA
PARTY
Communication Director
1903 West Magnolia Blvd.
FROM:
DAN SCHNUR
Burbank, CA 91506
CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN PARTY
(818) 841-5210
FAX (818) 841-6668
SUBJECT:
CA GOVERNOR'S RACE
DATE:
OCTOBER 19, 1990
This is the second packet of news clippings on the California
Governor's race that we have sent to all of you. Hopefully, these
articles have been able to provide a more in-depth picture of the
campaign than you are able to get from the national papers and
newsweeklies.
We also hope you enjoyed the CRP's musical press release, which you
should have received within the past few days. As you can see, even
though the race is entering the home stretch, we are still able to
enjoy ourselves.
As you may know, Senator Wilson has spent this past week back in
Washington performing his duties in the U.S. Senate. By the time
you receive this, however, he should be back in California for the
final two weeks of the campaign.
Although polls show that crime and the economy are the two most
pressing issues in the minds of the voters, Wilson's endorsement of
a ballot initiative to limit legislative terms seems to have tapped
into the anti-politician fervor that is sweeping the state and the
nation. Current polls show voters here backing Proposition 140 by
a 3-1 margin, although a final advertising blitz by well-financed
opponents of the measure could close that gap considerably.
If you do plan a story about the race or are interested in
additional information for any other reason, please feel free to
contact me at 818/841-5210.
WILSON VS. FEINSTEIN
A guide to the California Governor's Race
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
Page
I.
Polls, Money, & Term Limits
2-16
II. Richard Blum -- Still in the News
18-23
III. Just for Fun
26-27
I. Polls, Money, & Term Limits
pages 2-16
page:
2.
"Wilson Leading Feinstein 47-42 In California Poll," by Jerry
Roberts, San Francisco Chronicle, October, 12, 1990
3.
"Crime and Money Are the Key Issues In Governor's Race, by
Susan Yoachum, San Francisco Chronicle, October 13, 1990
4.
"Feinstein Loses an Advantage," by Martin Smith, Sacramento
Bee, October 18, 1990
5.
"Sharp Differences Emerge Between Wilson, Feinstein," by Bill
Stall, Los Angeles Times, September 28, 1990
6.
"Feinstein's Star Quality Getting Tested With Some Trying
Times," by George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, September 21,
1990
7.
"Prop. 73 Knocked Out: Judge's Ruling Unleashes Funds for
Demos," Sacramento Union, October 11, 1990
8.
"Feinstein Tries to Defuse Attack on Fund Raising," by
Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times, September 28, 1990
9.
"Ruling Helps Feinstein Raise $750,000," by Dan Morin, Los
Angeles Times, October 10, 1990
10. "Feinstein, Wilson Scramble to Add Points," by George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times, October 9, 1990
11. "Wilson Expands Reasons to Support Term Limits," by George
Skelton, Los Angeles Times, October 12, 1990
12. "Wilson '140' Backing a Bold Move," by Joe Scott, San Diego
Union, October 10, 1990
13. "Term Limits Not Popular Topic for Feinstein," by George
Skelton, Los Angeles Times, October 7, 1990
14. "Legislators Line Up Against Term Limits: Wilson Nearly Alone
Among Top Politicians in Backing Initiative,' by Vicki Haddock
and Steven Capps, San Francisco Examiner, October 10, 1990
15. "Limiting Terms a Hot Button," by Dan Walters, Sacremento Bee,
October 12, 1990
16. "Feinstein Loses -- You Read It Here First," by Warren
Hinckle, San Francisco Examiner, October 16, 1990
- 1 -
Wilson Leading
Feinstein 47-42
In California Poll
'Gender gap' evaporates as GOP women
start leaning toward GOP candidate
By Jerry Roberts
Chronicle Political Editor
Pete Wilson holds B five-point edge over Dianne Feinstein in the
governor's race, largely because Republican women are shifting to him
in large numbers, 8 new California Poll shows.
"Half of the gender gap has evaporated," said poll taker Mervin Field.
"Wilson is maintaining his edge among men, and Feinstein has lost her
edge among women."
RACE POLL
The survey shows Republican
Wilson leading Democrat Fein-
From Page 1
among Democratic men by a ratio
stein by 47 percent to 42 percent,
of 69 percent to 24 percent. com-
ing for Wilson, 47 percent to 42
with 7 percent undecided and 4
pared with the 59 percent to 31
percent.
percent who prefer another candi-
percent lead she held among the
date. The margin of error is plus or
In measures of gender sup-
same group in August. Wilson
minus 3.2 percent.
port, Wilson is leading among
holds a huge lead of 77 percent to
men, 49 percent to 41 percent, and
14 percent among Republican
Sunday night's debate between
also is now running ahead among
men, compared with a 69 percent
the rivals had little effect on Wil-
women 48 percent to 44 percent.
to 19 percent bulge he had among
son's lead, which was 4.4 percent
In Field's last survey. conduct-
the same group in August.
before the event and 5.2 percent
afterward, according to Field,
ed In late August, Wilson held a
"The bottom line is that parti-
whose researchers conducted in-
somewhat larger lead among men
sanship is becoming more impor-
terviews both in the days immedi-
- 49 percent to 37 percent - but
tant than gender among both men
atcly before and after the televis-
Feinstein led among women, 47
and women voters, but more so
ed confrontation.
percent to 41 percent.
among women," Field said.
Among those surveyed, only 27
GOP Women
Positions on Issues
percent saw or listened to some
Trying to become California's
The survey also provided new
portion of the debate. Those who
first woman governor, Feinstein in
information on several key issues
tuned in were overwhelmingly
the past six weeks has seen her
that both candidates have emphas-
Democrats 62 percent, compar-
support among Republican female
ized in the campaign.
ed with 28 percent Republicans -
voters plummet while Wilson has
and they gave Feinstein much
held his own among Democratic
Both have taken strong stands
higher marks than Wilson for her
women.
in favor of the death penalty. but
performance in the debate.
among the large majority of voters
In the last survey, Feinstein at.
who favor capital punishment (79
The poll, carried out October
tracted the support of 28 percent
percent), Wilson is favored 53 per-
4-10, also shows that:
of Republican women, and Wilson
cent to 37 percent. Among the
was favored by 66 percent. In the
In measures of partisan sup-
one-fifth minority that opposes the
new poll, she is backed by only 16
port. Republicans favor Wilson, 72
death penalty (21 percent), Fein-
percent among GOP women, while
percent to 15 percent, and Demo-
stein is favored over Wilson, 59
he is supported by 77 percent, a net
crats favor Feinstein 66 percent to
percent to 29 percent.
gain of 28 points for Wilson.
24 percent. Those not affiliated
On abortion, almost one-third
with either party favor Feinstein,
By contrast, Feinstein in Au.
of voters (30 percent)say they want
52 percent to 28 percent.
gust led Wilson among Democratic
new laws to make It easier to get an
women by a ratio of 58 percent to
abortion. Of this group, Feinstein
In measures of ideological
24 percent. Now she leads him
leads 55 percent to 35 percent.
support, Wilson is preferred 70
among the same group by 64 per.
Among those who say It should be
percent to 21 percent by the 31
cent to 23 percent, & net gain of
more difficult to get an abortion
percent of voters who identify
only seven points.
(20 percent) Wilson leads 68 per-
themselves as conservative. Fein-
Among male voters of both par-
cent to 23 percent.
stein is favored 74 percent to 19
ties, the survey also shows that par-
On the environment, those who
percent by those who describe
tisan affiliation is becoming a
describe themselves as an "envi-
themselves as liberal, about 24 per-
more important criterion than
ronmentalist" (39 percent), favor
cent of the total. The crucial group
gender in selection of a candidate.
Feinstein by a ratio of 50 percent
of middle-of-the-road voters 43
Feinstein now leads Wilson
to 39 percent.
percent of the total - are break-
Back Page Col. 2
2
A2
San Francisco Agronicle
10-13-90
Crime and Money
CALIFORNIA POLL
Top five reasons cited more by Wilson supporters than
Are the Key Issues
Feinstein supporters as "highly important" for gubernato-
rici preference
Wilson
Fainstein
Wilson
supporters supportees advantage
In Governor's Race
Will be tough on criminals
77%
60%
17
Will do better job dealing with drug problem
62
45
17
Can de better job improving state's economy
60
49
"
Poll shows why Wilson leads Feinstein
Will de better job handling state budget
59
50
9
like candidate's position - the death penalty
56
46
10
By Susan Yoachum
Chronicle Political Wilter
Top five reasons cited more by Falnstein supporters than
Wilson supporters as "highly important" for gubernatorial
Crime and the economy are
stein supporters said they back her
preference
the major issues driving Republi-
because she "will do more to pro-
Feinstein
When
Fainstain
can Pete Wilson's support in the
tect the state's environment." Only
supporters
supporters
advantage
governer's race, according to the
46 parcent of Wilson's backers
wall do more to protect state's environment
68%
40%
22
California Poll.
gave that reason.
Will do more for olderly and disadvantaged
58
36
22
Democrat Dianne Feinstein, in
The issues rated of "high in-
contrast, draws her strongest sup-
Like candidate's stand on education Issues
53
41
12
portance" to Wilson voters revolve
port from those concerned about
around his job performance in the
Will do more for the average person
53
43
10
the environment, the elderly and
U.S. Senate and his experience in
take condidate's stand on health issues
51
36
15
disadvantaged, and health and ed-
politics. Feinstein has tried to cast
ucation.
his absanteeism from the Senate as
Results are based on interviews with 1,021 California ver are conducted October 410 The men
"The reasons given are follow-
a weakness, and he himself has
gin of areas is plus or minus 4.7 percentage points. The margin of enter for subgroups would be
larger.
ing gender stereotypes," said Mark
called into question the wisdom of
DiCamillo, managing aditor of the
experience in politics by endors-
poll. "When you look at those so-
ing term limits for legislators.
021 registered voters. The voter
cial issues, and they're clearly
new laws to make it easier to get an
The issues that Feinstein back-
sampling error was plus or minus
Feinstein, and the economy and
abortion. Of this group, Feinstein
ers named as most important are
6.7 percentage points.
crime still win out, and they're
leads 55 percent to 35 percent.
her perceived sensitivity to wom-
clearly Wilson, that says a lot.
The survey also provided new
Among those who say it should be
en's rights and the need for new
information on several key issues
more difficult to get an abortion
"He has to his advantage issues
blood in politics.
that seem to be more salient to
that both candidates have empha-
(20 percent), Wilson leads 68 per-
In the Democratic primary, Av-
sized in the campaign.
cent to 23 percent.
voters," DiCamillo said. "As a poll-
torney General John Van de Kamp
ster, I wonder at what point do
On the environment, those who
challenged Feinstein's commit-
Both have taken strong stands
social Issues outweigh Issues on
describe themselves as "environ-
ment to women's rights, saying
in favor of the death penalty, but
crime and the economy. And it
mentalists" (39 percent) favor Fein-
that he was "the best feminist in
among the large majority of voters
hasn't happened yet."
stein by a ratio of 50 percent to 39
the race." Wilson also has sharply
who favor capital punishment (79
A whopping 77 percent of WII-
percent. Among a larger group
questioned whether Feinstein ac.
percent), Wilson is favored 53 per-
SOB supporters said they are in his
that says that label describes them
tually represents change because
cent to 37 percent. Among the
camp because be would be "tough
only somewhat (53 percent), Wil-
she is close to career politicians
one-fifth minority that opposes the
son leads 52% to 38%. He also leads
an criminals." By comparison, only
such as Assembly Speaker Willie
death penalty (21 percent), Fein-
60 percent of Felnstein supporters
among the tiny group (7 percent)
Brown and Senate President Pro
stein is favored over Wilson, 59
cited the "tough on criminals" rea-
who say that being an environ-
Tem David Roberti.
percent to 29 percent.
montalist does not apply to them at
son for backing her.
The poll, conducted by tele-
On abortion, almost one-third
all, by a ratio of 58 percent to 29
A total of 68 percent of Fein-
phone October 4-10, questioned 1,
of voters (30 percentisay they want
percent
B8 See Bee 10/18/90
Feinstein loses an advantage
T
HE BOTTOM line didn't
becomes a less important consid-
change much in the Cali-
POLITICS IN REVIEW
eration.
fornia Poll's latest survey
By Martin Smith
This pattern: appears to be con-
on the race for governor. Republi-
can Pete Wilson had a 47-10-42
Political Editor
tinuing in California this year de-
spite the earlier views of many
percentage lead over Democrat
observers - including Field him-
Dianne Feinstein in October. up a
self - that the 1990s would be the
little from the 45-to-42 edge he en-
election years consistently showed
decade of the woman in the state's
joyed last August.
women having a higher degree of
politics.
These relatively static numbers,
resistance 10 Reagan's political
Having one of their number
however, hide some important
charms than did men. The same
churning within the electorate.
nominated for the state's top post
was true of George Bush's 1988
Trends are developing that, if they
also was thought likely to present
a special appeal for women voters.
continue. could spell real trouble
It does, of course - but only for
for the Feinstein candidacy.
some women: Field's poll-takers.
The greatest movement has
for example, found that among all
been among Republican women
women. Democrats and Republi-
who gave her significant support
cans, between the ages of 40 and
in early polls. A large portion of
59, Feinstein enjoys a substantial
that support has disappeared. Af.
lead, 51 to 38 percent.
ter enjoying the backing of 28 per.
cent of GOP women voters last
August, she saw her support level
B
UT OFFSETTING this gen-
der gap advantage for Fein-
drop to 16 percent this month.
stein is a generational gap.
"Partisanship is taking over," said
O+
The California poll found that
Mervin Field. director and founder
women who are GO and older sup-
of the California Poll.
port the Republican nominee, 53
But Feinstein also encounters
to 41 percent. Field suggested that
problems among some Democrat-
this may reflect the fact that many
ic women. Democratic male vot-
older women "have been condi-
ers, in fact, give her candidacy
tioned to support a man" for high
stronger support than do their fe-
office.
male counterparts - 69 percent to
64 percent. Nearly twice as many
Democratic women. 13 percent,
list themselves as undecided as do
a
The issues that are paramount
in the minds of the electorate also
have shifted since last spring, and
this may be making a difference in
Democratic men, 7 percent. or Re-
how candidates Feinstein and Wil-
publican women. also 7 percent.
Graphic/Hugo
son are perceived. Public preoccu-
There was relatively little erosion
pation with abortion rights.
since August in the support Wilson
political corruption and dissatis-
had among Democratic women. It
campaign: initially he faced more
faction with the way the old-boy
dropped hardly at all, from 24 to
opposition among female voters
networks were operating govern-
23 percent.
than among male. But. as Mark Di.
ment was thought to present spe-
Camillo, also of the California Poll,
cial advantages to women seeking
T
HE GENDER gap does ex-
has observed. in all three elections
public office. Since then. however,
ist, but it seems to be more
"when it came time for the actual
those issues have given way to
a phenomenon of polling
judgment. the gender gap all but
new ones. The United States has
- especially surveys conducted
evaporated."
become engaged in a major for-
early in a campaign - than of ac-
It's not hard to understand why
eign-policy crisis that threatens to
tual voring. Field's latest numbers
it has been more of an illusion
break out in war in the Mideast.
simply provide more evidence that
than a reality on Election Day.
There also are stronger signs that
the much-discussed gender gap is
Early in the campaign. most voters
the nation may be heading into a
an overrated political phenome-
know relatively little about the
major recession.
non.
candidates: the gender of each
These problems may incline
For a time. it was thought to be
then takes on greater importance.
many rank-and-file voters, espe-
an important factor working
But as the campaign progresses
cially the older ones who vote
against the Republicans in Ronald
and voters learn more about each
more regularly than those who are
Reagan's 1980 and 1984 presiden-
candidate's background and the
younger, to choose a man for gov-
tial campaigns. Early polls in those
stand each takes on issues. gender
ernor.
4 -
Sharp Differences Emerge
Between Wilson, Feinstein
Politics: The candidates have taken divergent
positions on taxes, school finance and the environment.
9/28/90 AILATiveS
By BILL STALL
I
he candidates also differ on
The policy differences between
TIMES POLITICAL WRITER
budget reform, school finance
'them were accentuated by Fein-
As their contest for governor
and Proposition 98, the 1988 initia-
stein during September as she
approaches a critical test in Octo-
tive measure that guarantees pub-
ventured into the risky world of
ber, Democrat Dianne Feinstein
lic schools at least 41% of the
taxation, pledging support for bil-
state's general fund revenues each
lions of dollars for existing state
and Republican Sen. Pete Wilson
year. That amounts to about $17
programs and campaigning for
have established sharply divergent
billion this year out of a total
stronger environmental regulation.
positions on key issues like higher
budget of $55.7 million.
The July-August television
campaign seemed to result in a
NEWS ANALYSIS
Feinstein, with the support of
state Supt. of Public Instruction
standoff. Going into September, the
taxes, school finance and the envi-
Bill Honig and the California
major public opinion polls indicated
ronment-defying the perception
Teachers Assn., has declared Prop-
that the ad campaign had little
that there are no substantial differ-
bsition 98's guarantee "inviolate"
effect. The two candidates were
ences between the two political
and vowed to oppose any effort to
considered to be running about
moderates.
change it. She favors budget re-
even, just as they were after the
California political analysts and
form that would reduce the level of
June 5 primary. October and its
commentators=have-repeatedly
spending required for some pro-
two scheduled debates provide
characterized the race as dull,
grams by state law or the state
Feinstein and Wilson the opportu-
Constitution, but would not cut
nity to capture the undecided
conténding that the candidates are
back on most major health and
swing voter.
ignoring the real issues and that
Feinstein and Wilson seem more
welfare programs, which account
"There are a large number of
for nearly a third of the general
people who sort of see Dianne in a
like philosophical soul mates.
But during September, when
fund budget.
positive context, but they, have
form, but insists that all state
been comfortable with Wilson the
their campaign often was over-
shadowed by the Middle East cri-
spending items, including Proposi-
way people are comfortable with
sis, the candidates added consider-
tion'98, be on the table for negoti-
an old pair of shoes," said Bill
able meat to their skeletal policy
changes. The only exception is
Carrick, Feinstein's campaign di-
that Wilson would oppose any cuts
rector. "Those people, in my view,
positions, either in speeches or in
in the state's supplemental Social
have been postponing their deci-
response to questions from report-
Security payments for the aged,
sion until they get some point of
ers. The result has Wilson sound-
blind and disabled-a.program that
comparison that is beyond the
ing. more conservative and cau-
costs $2.3 billion a year.
30-second commercial."
tious, particularly on money issues.
Both candidates are considered
Some political experts have said
Feinstein is more willing to talk
about the need for expanded state
strong environmentalists, but
that Feinstein has to make some
again there is a key difference.
sort of breakthrough to capture
programs and new state revenues
to pay for them
Feinstein is endorsing Proposition
voter imagination and defeat Wil-
The continuing state fiscal cri-
128, the far-reaching Environmen-
son-something akin to the dra-
tal Protection Act.of 1990 dubbed
matic television commercial that
sis-with the potential for addi-
Big Green by its supporters. Wil-
propelled the Feinstein image into
tional taxes simply to support ex-
isting programs-has emerged as a
son opposes the proposition.
the public consciousness in her
defining issue that could dominate
primary campaign. The ad showed
the candidates' televised debates
B
oth Feinstein and Wilson also
Feinstein firmly taking control of
on Oct. 7 and Oct. 18.
promise to be activist gover-
San Francisco as acting mayor
In light of the temporary balanc-
nors who will attack problems such
after the shooting death of Mayor
ing gimmicks used to stitch togeth-
as California's unbridled growth.
George Moscone. The commercial
er the long-delayed state spending
But Feinstein promises the more
has not been rerun since the June 5
plan. the new governor is likely to
aggressive effort, describing her
primary.
face a multibillion-dollar deficit in
approach as a "new awakening"
Both campaigns say they want to
drafting his or her first state budg-
fueled by "the politics of optimism
continue discussing issues during
e:
and rebirth." Appearing at an Or-
October rather than getting into
If California still needs more
ange County Democratic meeting
another television commercial
evenue after making whatever
in Anaheim earlier this month, she
shoot-out. Wilson's theme. cam-
budget cuts she could. Feinstein
talked of running a "creative ad-
paign director Otto Bos said, will
said, she would raise the income
ministration" like that of Edmund
be: "It's performance that counts.
ax rate for the most wealthy
G. (Pat) Brown in the 1960s "that
not promises."
Californians. couples making
built the best university system
:200.000 or more annually. The top
and built the California Water
W
ith 23 years of experience in
ate was reduced in 1987 from 11%
Project."
the Legislature, as mayor of
: 9.3%. Feinstein also has en-
"I want to be the governor that
San Diego and U.S. senator, Wilson
orsed Proposition 133. which
says. 'Wake up. California. Let's
has a broader record of which to
ould raise the sales tax by half a
move this state into a problem-
boast. Feinstein held public office
ent to pay for anti-drug and crime
solving mode, let's develop that
for nearly 20 years, but entirely at
rograms.
water policy, let's solve the prob-
the city and county level in San
Wilson. by contrast, has said it
lems of the environment, let's
Francisco.
yould be foolish to rule out the
manage our growth.
Carrick said Feinstein intends to
eed for new taxes. and has refused
Wilson vows to be the real
continue to emphasize issues and
do so, but he has said he would
candidate of change but his efforts
the intangible values of leadership,
ppose any increase in personal
could be hampered by his anti-tax
believing that voters are getting
icome tax rates. This week. he
stance and conflict with the Legis-
turned off by an "electric Ping-
trongly endorsed Proposition 13C,
lature's Democratic leadership.
Pong" exchange of personal and
thich would require a two-thirds
It has been a struggle for the
negative television ads.
ote of the Legislature or the
candidates to get their messages
"We've been specific on issues,"
ectorate to increase any state or
across in a period when Saddam
he said. But he also noted that
ocal tax.
Hussein and his Aug. 2 invasion of
Wilson "has beaten up on us on
But while he declined to endorse
Kuwait continue to dominate the
taxes." The senator constantly re-
roposition 133, the sales tax in-
news. Feinstein has been dogged
minds voters that he actually cut
case, he said he might vote for it.
by questions about the business
some taxes as mayor of San Diego
Thursday, Wilson said that if
dealings of her financier-spouse,
while Feinstein raised levies in San
roposition 133 loses, he would be
Richard Blum, who joined with
Francisco.
illing to consider an effort in the
Feinstein in lending her campaign
egislature to raise the sales tax
$3 million for her primary election.
if a cent for anti-drug and crime
Labor Day marked a major turn-
rograms.
ing point. leaving behind a desulto-
ry summer of exchanges of costly
television commercials in which
the candidates tried to taint each
with
related
to
Feinstein's Star Quality Getting
"You have to realize this," Fein-
stein replied. "California IS a huge
Tested With Some Trying Times
state. When we're on television
[with commercials] our [poll] num-
i A 43
bers go up. When we're off televi-
By GEORGE SKELTON
could be the first major California
sion, our numbers drop I
TIMES SACRAMENTO BUREAU CHIEF
politician since Reagan to possess
am
running against a man who has run
the magical, intangible asset that
As Dianne Feinstein sat atten-
statewide four times outspent
goes by many names-excitement,
us on television 2½ to 3 to 1
tively in the front row of a Hun-
1
charisma, pizazz-but means star
tington Park elementary school
think we've done remarkably well.
quality.
auditorium, it seemed fitting that
The question being asked by
And that's what gives me, frankly,
100 tiny voices would be belting
the adrenaline to continue on be-
politicians of both parties is wheth-
out Ronald Reagan's 1984 cam-
cause 1 believe we can win this
er Feinstein is a real star or a
paign theme song, "God Bless the
race."
shooting star destined to flame out,
U.S.A."
But one Feinstein aide acknowl-
as did another Californian with a
Fitting not because of ideological
edged that the candidate is tired,
magic personality, Edmund G.
similarities between Feinstein and
Brown Jr., "Gov. Moonbeam" to his
largely from fund raising. While
Reagan, although there are some,
critics.
President Bush was raising $2
most notably on crime issues. Fit-
"I see a lot about her that
million for Wilson this week at just
ting, rather. because Feinstein
two events-a dinner in Los An-
reminds me of Reagan." said Ste-
geles and a lunch in San Francis-
phen A. Merksamer. Gov. George
o-Feinstein was scurrying
Deukmejian's former chief of staff
around to 20 smaller fund-raising
and an occasional adviser to Sen.
events and picking up a lot less
Pete Wilson, Feinstein's rival in
money.
the gubernatorial race. "She has
As a result, Feinstein's one major
flair, style. When Reagan walked
public speech this week-on Tues-
into a room, you knew he was in
day to the Los Angeles Headquar-
the room. When Dianne Feinstein
ters Assn., a business group-"def-
walks in a room, heads turn. And in
initely was not one of her best
one-on-one situations, both are
efforts," the aide conceded.
charming."
Feinstein plowed through her
But then Merksamer demurred a
written text in a series of staccato
bit: "The excitement hasn't been
spurts, each sentence seemingly
there since the primary. She's
rising to its own crescendo, often
come across as a more convention-
for no apparent reason. And she
al politician, less Reaganesque. The
blew one old line that Reagan
question is, how is she going to be
likely would have paused around,
during the last month of the cam-
pounced on and turned into a belly
paign? Which Dianne Feinstein are
roar: "Some cynics speculate that
we going to see? The Feinstein of
the real loser in the governor's
the primary or the Feinstein of
race will be the one who wins the
summer?"
election."
Arleen Peta, the young fifth-
grade teacher at the Miles Avenue
Like Reagan, however, Fein-
School who selected "God Bless
stein raised a lot of questions about
the U.S.A." for Feinstein to hear at
tough issues and offered few spe-
a made-for-television campaign
cific answers. For example, she
announced she would call "a sum-
stop Wednesday, is not so sure
about the Democratic candidate
mit" with legislative leaders the
herself. Peta told a reporter she
day after the election to consider
believes that Feinstein "has solid
how to give the new governor
footing" on many issues, especially
more discretion over state spend-
education. But she is wavering and
ing. But she also has said she would
could vote for Wilson. Peta indi-
not allow any reduction in allot-
cated she will decide based on the
ments for the two biggest catego-
two candidates' positions on crime
ries of untouchable funding pro-
[which are virtually the same). She
grams: education. and health and
wants more policemen on the
welfare.
streets and more criminals behind
Nevertheless, two leaders of the
bars.
organization praised Feinstein af-
Yes. Peta said. she did vote to
ter the lunch for at least addressing
reeiect Reagan President in 1984.
issues-"ir contrast to the ads on
But that is not why she chose "God
TV." said lawyer Jay Davis. imme-
Biess the U.S.A." for her students
diate past president of the group.
to sing to Feinstein. She just be-
Said architect Chet Widom. the
lieves that Lee Greenwood's popu-
current president: "I was im-
lar song with its patriotic lyrics-
pressed with her ability to handle
"I'm proud to be an American
herself and take questions. She
ain't no doub: I love this land
pretty well kept everybody's at-
tention."
"especially appropriate now with
what's going on in the Middle
Dee Dee Myers. Feinstein's press
East.'
secretary who is a veteran of
These are trying times for Fein-
campaigns with Michael Dukakis.
stein. the former San Francisco
Tom Bradley and Walter Mondale,
mayor who is in her first statewide
said that the former mayor is at her
best when she abandons the writ-
race and is seeking to become
California's first woman governor.
ten text and "just let's it rip."
She trounced Atty. Gen. John K.
"She still has the ability to knock
Van de Kamp in the Democratic
folks' socks off. inspire them"
gubernatorial primary and has
Myers said. "No one I've ever
worked for has been able to do that
been holding her own against Wil-
son in most polls. But there is a
She walks into an airport, a
sense. as one national political
restaurant and people automatical-
writer put it at a San Francisco
ly sit up and notice. I don't recall
press conference on Wednesday.
anybody ever wanting to know
what Dukakis had for breakfast.
that Feinstein "has frittered away
the momentum" she had built up
They do Dianne."
As for the loss of excitement.
during the primary.
Myers said confidently: "Voters
tuned in for the end of the primary.
Now they're starting to tune back
in. It'll come back."
- 6
Prop. 73 knocked out
A/U 10/11/90
Judge's ruling unleashes funds for Demos
If Dianne Feinstein becomes Califor-
nia's first woman governor, she will
Feinstein had money pouring in from
ironically owe much of her success to
special interest groups that were pre-
two men.
vented from making such huge dona-
tions under Proposition 73.
Her wealthy investor husband Rich-
ard Blum was the principal financial
Suddenly, in the latest filing last
angel in her primary victory over party
week, the Feinstein campaign was get-
favorite John Van de Kamp when few
ting more money than Wilson. She got
Democrat fat cats were willing to help
an immediate influx of large donations
her.
from public employee organizations with
Now, within weeks of the November
much to gain from having a friendly
election, a federal judge in Sacramento
occupant in the corner office during col-
has struck down the heart of Proposition
lective bargaining sessions.
73, the campaign-limit measure passed
by voters in 1988. And Dianne Feinstein
Brown and Roberti, obviously, have a
is the instant beneficiary of Judge Law-
big stake in Judge Karlton's ruling. If
they can put Dianne Feinstein in the
rence K. Karlion's ruling.
governor's chair, they have another 10-
The liberal Judge Karlton, appointed
to the state bench by Gov. Edmund G.
year stranglehold on a Democrat-gerry-
mandered Legislature.
Brown Jr. and to the federal bench by
President Jimmy Carter, decided that
Well, it wasn't the first time the
Proposition 73 was unfair.
Democratic legislative leadership was
Judge Kariton a longtime American
grateful for a very timely judicial rul-
Civil Liberties Union attorney, ruled in
ing. Brown boasted happily that "Sister
favor of the Democratic Party and its
Rose and the Supremes," meaning
well-entrenched leadership, namely
ultraliberal Rose Bird and her state Su-
Assembly Speaker Willie Brown Jr. and
preme Court allies, had done the legis-
Senate President Pro Tem David Rob.
lative leadership a great service when
crti. who led the fight to overturn the
Proposition 24, another effort at political
public reform efforts of Proposition 73.
reform. was thrown out.
And the immediate result was of veri-
Such rulings, of course, make one
table gusher of funds to the Feinstein
wonder what an overwhelming popular
campaign. After long complaining that
she was at as funding dissdvantage
vote is worth when it can be nullified by
one judge just in time to influence a ma-
against Republican Sen. Pete Wilson,
jor election.
- 7
ALIFORNIA ELECTIONS GOVERNÓR
Feinstein Tries to Defuse Attack on Fund Raising
A3 9/28/90 C. A. Times
lifted. the officers' labor group would have been
people to be able to contribute," Feinstein told
CATHLEEN DECKER
limited to a $5,000 donation.
several hundred members of the Common-
IIS POLITIC WRITER
Feinstein said the only way she can compete
wealth Club here.
SAN FRANCISCO-Her financially strapped
with an incumbent such as Wilson is to accept
Appearing in Los Angeles to accept the
npaign for governor boosted at least tempo-
the bulk donations that have come to her
endorsement of prosecuting attorneys Thursday
ily by the demise of California's political
campaign since a federal court judge Tuesday
morning, Wilson repeated his call for Feinstein
ancing restrictions, Dianne Feinstein on
overturned Proposition 73, a voter-approved
to abide by the spirit of the $1,000 limit, but said
ursday tried to shield herself from Republi-
measure that placed a $1,000-per-person limit
in effect that if she violated it, he would too.
) accusations that she is violating the spirit of
on campaign contributions. The ruling, which
Wilson added, however, that in no case would
: very reform measure she once supported.
also limited contributions from large committees
he take SO much money from any single source
She did so in a time-honored way, by
to $5,000, is being appealed.
that it would suggest "that I was beholden to a
inching a broadside at her opponent, Republi-
Because of his position as an incumbent U.S.
contributor." He declined to say just how much
1 Pete Wilson, whom she strongly suggested
senator, Feinstein said, it is easier for Wilson to
that limit might be.
d traded favors to build up his massive
obtain contributions from groups with a special
Wilson rejected the notion that his contribu-
mpaign war chest.
interest in federal legislation.
tions had obligated him to any special interest.
This came as Feinstein disclosed she had
"Anybody that takes on a United States
"I do not intend to do now what I have never
ceived $150,000 in campaign contributions
senator-[a challenger] who's not an incum-
done in my career, which is to take an
ednesday from California Highway Patrol
bent, who's a private citizen, isn't doing favors
inordinately large gift from a single contributor
licers. Before the funding restrictions were
for anyone-doesn't have the networks of
Please see FEINSTEIN, A31
sition 73, the campaign financing
public financing of politic..) cam-
reform measure now in legal limbo,
paigns, which she edge close to
were equally critical. She declared
endorsing Thursday.
Continued from A3
herself "living testimony that il
Feinstein, making her first pub-
While the overturning of financ-
conference offered her an opportu-
"My opponent can raise $20 [mil-
because the whole purpose of the
had helped incumbents such as
ing restriction were an obvious
lic appearance since a four-day,
nity to vent frustration at both
lion] to $30 million from wide
qampaign limits is to give the
out-of-state fund-raising trip,
Wilson and restricted challengers
benefit to Feinstein, she declined
Wilson and the state campaign
networks of people all of whom
like herself.
people confidence that there is
made clear Thursday that she has
to say low much help she exper
reform law.
want solicitous attention from their
neither the fact nor the appearance
"I was an initial supporter of
to receive as a direct result of the
no interest in sticking to limits that
She called Wilson the "most
United States senator and from a
of undue influence," he said.
Prop. 73," she said, adding that she
were severely curtailing her fund-
decision. Other labor groups which
prolific fund raiser in the history of
man who, if he loses [the race for
Wilson also said that anyone
now believes the measure is "not
have endorsed the candidate are
raising ability.
American politics," a seeming ex-
governor], will be in the United
who sought to take advantage of
fair campaign finance reform" be-
expected to add them checks to the
Wilson, with a statewide con-
aggeration given the campaign
States Senate," she said.
the court's decision while an appeal
cause 11 limits the ability of politi-
CHP donation, however.
tributors' list honed in two senate
histories of President Bush and
"Is that right?" she asked. "Is
is pending would be flouting the
cal parties to he '1' their candidates
Feinstein also expressed confi-
campaigns. has been collecting
former President Reagan, among
will of the people. "They are say-
that the kind of politics we want?"
and because its annual contribution
dence that she would not be seen as
money at a rate twice that of
others. Feinstein noted correctly
Asked later whether she meant
ing to the public, "To hell with your
cycles favor those who announce
"opportunistic" for taking large
Feinstein. While Wilson is be-
that Wilson has been among the
concern about special interests. It
to imply that Wilson had traded
their candidacies early-typically,
donations in conflict with her earli-
lieved to have millions in the bank
top Senate recipients of money
was legal for a brief moment and
votes for contributions, Feinstein
incumbents.
stand.
for a fall television blitz, Fein-
I'm going to take my chance, take
from corporations, savings and
replied, "I just said what I thought
In addition to reversing herself
"I'm following the law," she said.
stein's campaign has been living a
loan officials and agriculture and
the facts were in this case."
my advantage,' Wilson said.
on Proposition 73, Feinstein also
"I can't do anyone it favor. I'm not
hand-to-mouth existence. Updated
chemical concerns.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of
Feinstein's comments on Propo-
signatud a change of heart on
in public office."
financial reports are to be released
Appeals refused Thursday to grant
by both campaigns next week.
a stay of the Proposition 73 ruling
until after a hearing today before
Seemingly buoyed by the finan-
U.S. District Judge Lawrence K.
cial repercussions of the judge's
Karlton, who issued the decision. If
decision, Feinstein told reporters at
Karlton refuses to grant a stay, the
a press conference after her speech
appeals court will hold a hearing
that she was "very proud" to have
Tuesday in Pasadena to consider a
received the CHP officers' $150,000
renewed request by backers of the
contribution.
campaign measure.
Feinstein's speech and her press
Ruling Helps Feinstein Raise $750,000
10/10/90 A14 L A. Times
By DAN MORAIN
The Amalgamated Transit Union gave her the
TIMES STAFF WRITER
maximum $5,000 under Proposition 73, then kicked
in another $2,500 when the restriction was tossed
SAN FRANCISCO-Demoratic gubernatorial
out. Operating Engineers Local Union local in
candidate Dianne Feinstein raised more than
Stockton gave her $10,000.
$750,000 in the days immediately after a federal
Under Proposition 73, individuals could not give
judge struck down stringent campaign contribu-
more than $1,000, PACs were limited to giving
tion limits contained in Proposition 73, her cam-
$5,000 and office-holders were precluded from
paign finance statement released here Tuesday
transferring money to candidates.
shows.
On Sept. 25, with six weeks left in the campaign.
During the first four days after the ruling was
U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton of
issued, Feinstein turned to labor unions, Demo-
Sacramento found the restrictions unconstitution-
cratic office-holders, party activists and business
al. The ruling is being appealed.
associates of her husband for the donations,
The former San Francisco mayor had acknowl-
according the report covering the period between
edged she would begin seeking larger donations
July 1 and Sept. 30.
when the limitations were lifted. She said on
In all, Feinstein raised $4.9 million during the
Sunday night's debate that she needed the money
period after costs were deducted. By far, the bulk
to air commercials on television.
of the contributions came in increments of $1,000; a
Texas billionaire Robert M. Bass, a business
large percentage of came in donations of $100 or
associate of Feinstein's husband, investment
less.
banker and money manager Richard C. Blum, gave
But when the limits were lifted on Sept. 25, labor
unions responded by giving more than $300,000.
$36,000. David Bonderman, a Bass business part-
Included in that amount, the Los Angeles County
ner, gave $25,000. Businessman John Scully gave
District Council of Carpenters gave $100,000, while
her $10,000. Scully is also a Bass partner.
the Carpenters Historical Society Political Action
Blum's prowess as a fund-raiser also was
Committee gave $50,000, as did the Service
apparent in San Francisco where investment
Employees International Union. Feinstein re-
banker Warren Hellman, a friend of Blum's,
ceived $10,000 from United Food and Commercial
donated $50,000 when the limits were lifted.
Workers.
Dennis B. Block, an executive with the New
On Sept. 27, she received $20,000 from an
York-based Exquisite Form Industries, contribut-
AFL-CIO political action committee. The Califor-
ed $25,000. Exquisite Form Industries, an apparel
nia Teachers Assn. gave $50,000, bringing its total
company, is affiliated with a Manila-based firm
contribution to $55,000. The School Employees
that is a client of Blum's.
Assn. of California gave $15,000 on Sept. 28, after
Times Staff Writer Victor Zonana contributed to this
having given $5,000 previously.
story.
9
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9. 1990
A3
California and the West
Feinstein, Wilson Scramble to Add Points
endorsement was somewhat unex-
Gubernatorial race: As
stations. And he noted that even more
pected.
For her part, Feinstein kept up
people would have seen the debate if it
oth candidates seek to
Many thought Wilson might
the campaign heat on Wilson for
were not for TV competition from the
wait until closer to the Nov. 6
missing Senate votes recently and
Oakland Athletics in the American
apitalize on their scores in
election before deciding whether to
in past years. According to her
League playoffs and the Los Angeles
endorse Proposition 140, hoping to
figures, Wilson has missed 26 roll
IC debate, most experts say
Raiders in an NFL game.
be far enough ahead in the guber-
call votes since Labor Day and has
To a large degree, victory in the
the third-worst attendance record
ere was no clear winner in
Inatorial race to avoid taking a
debate was in the eyes of the beholder,
in the current Senate:
stand sure to alienate legislators he
IC televised meeting.
with perspectives influenced by an
would have to deal with as gover-
"Our country stands on the brink
individual's political orientation. Pre-
of recession and on the brink of
nor.
dictably, the tendency was for Demo-
Feinstein criticized Wilson for
war and Sen. Wilson is missing the
GEORGE SKELTON
RAMINTO BUR: AU CHILD
crats to give the benefit of doubt to
'weather vane politics." But the
action," Feinstein said at a Los
Feinstein and for Republicans to lean
Republican senator made it clear
Angeles press conference. Then
Both gubernatorial candidates scram-
toward Wilson.
on Monday that he intends to
turning her rhetoric on Republican
rd Monday to capitalize on points they
What most everybody interviewed by
counter Feinstein's contention that
Gov. George Deukmejian-just as
ored in their first campaign debate,
The Times agreed on, however, was
she is the "candidate of change" by
Wilson now is taking shots at
ith Democrat Dianne Feinstein at-
that each candidate escaped the debate
tying her to Sacramento's old-
Democratic legislative leaders-
cking Republican Sen. Pete Wilson's
guard Democratic leaders, Assem-
Feinstein said: "We've had eight
without making a serious gaffe-and
tendance record in Congress and Wil-
that was the primary goal. No home
bly Speaker Willie Brown Jr. of
years of a governor who was
11 portraying Feinstein as a puppet of
runs, but no errors.
San Francisco and Senate Presi-
missing in action. We don't need
gislative leaders.
Most outsiders generally praised the
dent Pro Tem David A. Roberti of
four more."
The consensus of many political sci-
debate, but one political scientist called
Los Angeles.
Wilson's response was that he
itists and campaign consultants,
it terrible. Bruce Cain of the Institute of
Feinstein opposes term limits,
would return to Washington for "a
allying herself with Brown and
serious vote" on something like the
canwhile. was that there was no clear
Government Studies at UC Berkeley
inner in Sunday night's televised de-
equated the event to what former
Roberti, who are aggressively
budget.
ite. Feinstein handled herself better,
heavyweight boxing champion Muham-
fighting them.
Feinstein also tried to counter
any thought, but Wilson captured
mad Ali used to call "rope-a-dope."
Wilson's assertions that she would
ore news media attention by endors-
"!l was the political equivalent of
"S
he is beholden to Willie
be a puppet of Brown's by vowing,
g a popular ballot initiative to impose
rope-a-dope strategy." Cain said. "Let
Brown and David Roberti,"
if elected, to work for an ideologi-
the other guy bang away. Cover up and
Wilson said at a Santa Monica
rict term limits on legislators.
cal moderation of the liberal As-
don't make any mistakes. Try not to
(airport press conference Monday.
TV ratings for the debate were "very
sembly Public Safety Committee.
lose,
They were so cautious, noth-
"She cannot be the agent for
'spectable." according to Victor J.
Wilson claims the committee has
ing interesting was said the whole time.
change as long as that is the case."
iondi, executive director of the spon-
No spontancity. All rehearsed. All
Wilson told reporters that "the
been "arrogantly" burying tough
crime bills. And Feinstein said
ring California Broadcasters Assn.
warmed-over TV ads."
last straw" in his decision to en-
there is "no question" the commit-
IC one-hour program, carried by 32
The one debate surprise, of sorts, was
dorse Proposition 140 was a federal
tee should be changed.
V stations, was seen in 11% of Califor-
Wilson's endorsement of Proposition
140, the term limit initiative sponsdred
judge's recent "outrageous" ruling
Meanwhile, outsider opinions on
a's homes, or more than 1.1 million,
by Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete
that lossed out campaign contribu-
the debate varied slightly, but the
ondi estimated.
"In that time period 16 p.m.) on a
Schabarum. The surprise was not that
tion limits, a move that significant-
consensus seemed to be that it was
inday night, it's a little higher than
Wilson endorsed the measure; it is
1y helped Feinstein's fund-raising
a draw.
ability. Noting that Speaker Brown
hat in station normally would do," he
highly popular with the voters, accord-
Times Political Writers Cathleen
had fought the contribution limit
101. Biondi attributed the good viewer-
ing to polls. But the timing of his
Decker and Bill Stall contributed to
measure-Proposition 73-Wilson
this article.
ip to aggressive promotion by the
said Brown "wants the law of the
fat cats to prevail."
CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS GOVERNOR
Wilson Expands Reasons to Support Term Limits
10/12/40 A3 i A. Times
the debate over legislative term
"The Democratic leadership
By GEORGE SKELTON
TIMES SACRAMENTO BUREAU CHIEF
limits beyond abstract political sci-
is largely responsible for where
ence to the practical concerns of
she is today and she won't
SACRAMENTO-U.S. Sen. Pete
average voters who are worried
challenge their grip on power."
Wilson on Thursday portrayed the
about street crime. the quality of
Wilson claimed in a prepared
state Legislature as the chief road-
their children's education and sky-
statement.
block to fighting crime. improving
high auto insurance premiums.
Feinstein has said she opposes
schools and reforming auto insur-
And. of course, his main target
term limits because they weaken a
ance and declared that the "one
was not so much the Democratic-
Legislature by destroying the op-
sure way" to end its "arrogance" is
controlled Legislature but his
portunity to develop experienced
to limit legislators' terms.
Democratic opponent. former San
leaders. "If people don't like an
"It is sad that to change the laws
Francisco mayor Dianne Feinstein.
incumbent. they should vote
we must change the lawmakers,"
She won't endorse term limits,
against that incumbent," she has
he said. "but if that's what's re-
Wilson asserted, because "she is
said.
quired. so be it."
beholden" to Assembly Speaker
Wilson, a career politician, had
The Republican gubernatorial
Willie L. Brown Jr. (D-San Fran-
refrained for months from "run-
candidate thus sought to broaden
cisco).
Please see WILSON. A20
WILSON: Term Limit Support
Continued from A3
committee with "ACLU liberals"
ning against Sacramento." But he
while "dispensing plums" to stay in
clearly has concluded that the state
power.
Capitol-with its legislative grid-
He also charged that Brown,
lock and corruption scandals-of-
because of his alliance with trial
fers too tempting a target to ignore.
lawyers, has blocked legislation to
One Wilson adviser, who asked not
provide affordable auto insurance.
to be identified, said that term
He cited a case last January when
limits will be "one of [his] dominat-
the Speaker twisted arms and
ing themes" for the remainder of
changed votes to kill a compromise
the race.
bill that would have provided low-
Wilson first signaled his change
cost insurance for the poor.
in strategy during last Sunday's
Wilson also said that Democratic
televised campaign debate by un-
legislative leaders have bowed to
expectedly endorsing Proposition
"the defiant egalitarianism of the
140. a tough term limits initiative
teachers union" and blocked merit
sponsored by Los Angeles County
pay for the best teachers, thus
Supervisor Pete Schabarum.
perpetuating "mediocrity" in the
On Thursday. Wilson elaborated
classroom.
at length for the first time on his
But the senator acknowledged,
reasons for endorsing Proposition
in effect. that one of the biggest
140. He chose as the location a
factors in his decision to endorse
meeting room across the street
term limits was simply political
from the state Capitol, where he
revenge. There were "two straws
once served as an assemblyman.
that really finally broke the cam-
Referring indirectly to Feinstein
el's back,' he said.
and her "candidacy of change,"
One straw was the "completely
Wilson told about 300 members of
deceptive and dishonest campaign"
the Sacramento Rotary Club that
of Democratic leaders to defeat two
"the changes that must be made in
reapportionment "reform" initia-
our educational system. in our
tives on the June ballot, Wilson
public safety, in fundamental re-
said. Gerrymandering of legislative
structuring of the [state] budget
districts has kept incumbents in
process. which is a disaster
office, he implied. And he noted
can't be made by anyone who
that Democrats also beat back a
is beholden to the special interests
GOP-sponsored legislative "re-
that. in fact, are controlling too
form" in 1984, after which Brown
much of what goes on across the
boastfully described his side's ad-
street."
vertising campaign as "a con job."
Wilson said stiffer penalties for
The other straw was a federal
violent criminals-such as paroled
judge's recent ruling that threw
rapist Lawrence Singleton. who
out campaign contribution limits, a
chopped off the forearms of his
decision that has greatly helped
teen-age victim and left her for
Feinstein's fund-raising ability.
dead-have been blocked for years
Wilson told reporters Thursday
by the Assembly Public Safety
that he regards the judge's ruling
Committee. He asserted that
as "highly suspect," coming five
Speaker Brown has stacked that
weeks before the election.
- 11 -
The San Diego Union
Col. Ira c Copley, 1864-1947
James S. Copiey, 1916-1973
Editorials/Opinion
Helen K. Copiey, Publisher
Gerald L. Warren, Editor
Page B-6
A Copley Newspaper
Wednesday, October 10, 1990
Wilson 140' backing a bold move
LOS ANGELES - Close elections
leader to "lobby, convince and ca-
are really about defining moments -
Joe Scott
jole" in a time of crisis.
when a candidate takes a calculated
But her insistence during the de-
risk to break through a buzz of con-
Proposition 131, is opposed by Fein-
bate that, as governor, she could
flicting messages to seize centrol of
"handle" Brown is remarkable, given
stein, leaders in both parties and spe-
the media agenda.
the control that the Speaker has long
cial-interest lobbyists.
Republican Pete Wilson's dilem-
exerted over her - notably, convinc-
Seizing upon voter anger about
ma, going into his first gubernatorial
lawmakers' ineffectiveness that has
ing her to remain in the race last
debate with Dianne Feinstein last
put both initiatives ahead in early
December against all odds.
Sunday, was that she appeared to
polls, Wilson reluctantly concluded
The biggest surprise for Wilson's
have an edge on the issue of change
foes in the wake of his Proposition
that Proposition 140 was the only
by offering voters a more rhetorical
140 endorsement is how it punctures
way basic change could take place in
vision of the '90s.
their perception of him as little more
Sacramento.
Feinstein's speeches have suggest-
than a "robopol" when it comes to
Denying that he was merely being
ed that she, as the first woman nomi-
asserting any real independence. But
an opportunist, or as Feinstein put it
nee of a major party to run for gov-
he has surprised his critics before.
in a tight sound bite, a "weather
ernor, is the outsider running against
In the 1976 presidential primary,
vane" politician, Wilson, a 25-year
the entrenched male "big cigars" -
Wilson, then San Diego mayor,
political careerist, explained the ori-
the insurgent who could make a dif-
bucked the California Republican es-
gin of his new-found populism.
ference in Sacramento.
tablishment then backing the insur-
Basically, it comes down to his
gent candidacy of Ronald Reagan by
What California needs is "a little
anger about the tactics that Assem-
mothering," she said after winning
bly Speaker Willie Brown used to de-
supporting incumbent Gerald Ford
for re-election.
the Democraic primary against John
feat two reapportionment initiatives
It was an expensive political deci-
Van de Kamp. It was a bold sugges-
on the June ballot, and a ruling by
tion that she would be the best agent
federal Judge Lawrence Karlton that
sion. Unforgiving Reaganites struck
back by playing a key role in Wil-
of change to end the practice of cro-
threw out spending limits voters ap-
son's disastrous bid for the GOP gu-
nyism in a Legislature controlled by
proved by passing Proposition 73.
bernatorial nomination in 1978.
special interests - and get the state
Wilson suggested that, instead of
Not until Wilson's successful U.S.
moving again on major issues.
being an agent of change, Feinstein
Senate campaign against Democrat
The pre-debate question was how
is a "captive" of Brown, consistently
Jerry Brown four years later was
Wilson, portrayed by Feinstein as the
shown by polls to be one of the state's
any degree of rapproachement
consummate insider and politician of
most unpopular politicians - and the
achieved. But Wilson never became a
yesterday, could cut himself into the
key player in rounding up special-
Reagan White House clone. voting 10
defining argument about change and
interest funds to defeat the term-
override vetoes on the highway bill
emerge as an acceptable alternative
limit initiatives.
and the clean water act.
to undecided voters.
"She can't be the agent of change
Wilson has not been afraid to chal-
Wilson needed an argument to dra-
when she has been led by the hand of
lenge White House Chief of Staff
matically link Feinstein to "the old
Speaker Brown to the trial lawyers
John Sununu over offshore oil drill-
boy network" and establishment poli-
and the teachers' union."
ing, or oppose Administration policy
tics that she has attacked with such
Wilson has succeeded, at least ini-
toward China or arms sales to c
passion and a way play on the
tially, in putting Feinstein on the de-
Arabia.
corruption scandals that have rocked
fensive over the term-limits issue.
Wilson has angered Sen. Ken
the Capitol.
The best proof was her post-debate
Maddy, R-Fresno. and Assemblyman
Defying convention, Wilson an-
statement seeking to portray Propo-
Ross Johnson, R-Fullerton. the GOP
nounced his support for Proposition
sition 140, which would also trim the
leaders - and his running mate for
140 - a very restrictive November
Legislature's budget and trim
lieutenant governor, Sen. Marian
ballot initiative that would limit
lawmakers' pensions, as a question of
Bergeson, by supporting term limits.
state Assembly members to three
leadership instead of an issue of
Wilson, by bucking the incumbent
terms and state senators to two
change.
system. has es bilshed an arguable
terms.
Feinstein said changing leaders
case that he is more of an outsider
The initiative. along with another
does "not necessarily' guarantee
than Feinstein - an
to
less-stringent term-limits measure,
change, but rather the ability of a
change.
12
CAMPAIGN JOURNAL
and vowing to "drain the swamp" of
Term Limits
political corruption in Sacramento. An-
gry legislative leaders used their lev-
erage over bills to dry up Vande Kamp's
campaign contributions from special in-
Not Popular
terests, particularly trial lawyers who
had supported him.
"We thought we had commitments
Topic for
[from trial lawyers] but they [legisla-
tors] shut off the funds," said one former
Van de Kamp adviser, who asked not to
be identified. "They found a way to get
Feinstein
to us and it cost us well into seven
figures."
10/7/90 A3 L A.
This fall, the Republican gubernatori-
al candidate, Sen. Pete Wilson, is joining
By GEORGE SKELTON
Feinstein in opposing Proposition 131.
TIMES SACRAMENTO BUREAU CHIEF
But his opposition is not based on term
Please see TERMS, A41
D
ianne Feinstein is the candidate of
"change." It says so in her televi-
sion ads. She says so in almost every
speech. That is her main message.
And it is true that as the race for
governor speeds toward a Nov. 6 climax,
Feinstein increasingly has been talking
TERMS: Not
about changes she would make in such
areas as education, crime and health
care.
For example, while campaigning be-
Big Topic for
fore labor groups last week she repeat-
edly promised to sign a bill providing
health insurance for California's 5 mil-
Candidates
lion uninsured workers "within 100
days" of taking office.
Continued from A3
But there is one "change" voters seem
limits. He is opposed because the
to be demanding that she cannot prom-
measure also would allow tax dol-
ise-in fact, one she does not even care
lars to be used to help finance
to talk about very much. That is a major
political campaigns. Wilson has not
shake-up of the political system in
taken a position on the more strin-
Sacramento, starting with term- limits
gent term limit measure, Proposi-
for legislators. She does not believe in
tion 140, sponsored by Los Angeles
term limits, the candidate will say if
County Supervisor Pete Schaba-
pressed, because they weaken a Legis-
rum.
lature by destroying the opportunity to
Taking whacks at the Legisla-
develop experienced leaders.
ture could gain the gubernatorial
"It's like throwing out the baby with
candidates a lot of points with
the bathwater," she said during a press
voters, The Los Angeles Times
conference in Montebello last Tuesday.
Poll indicated in its most recent
"If people don't like an incumbent, they
statewide survey. Voters disap-
should vote against that incumbent."
proved of the Legislature's job
Feinstein's stand seemingly is at odds
performance by 2 to 1. They also
with most voters who, according to
had a basically unfavorable im-
recent polls, favor two ballot proposi-
pression of Speaker Brown. And
tions that would limit the terms of
they overwhelmingly backed the
officeholders. Just as significant, Fein-
term limit initiatives, especially
stein has been resisting the broader
Schabarum's.
temptation to "run against Sacramento,"
a fat political target with its revealing
But as with Feinstein, Wilson's
FBI investigation, recent corruption
criticism of Sacramento has been
convictions and incessant legislative
relatively mild, confined primarily
gridlock.
to denouncing the "arrogance" of
Feinstein, a close ally of Assembly
Democratic leaders for "gerry-
Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francis-
mandering" legislative districts
co), is being careful not to alienate the
and assailing liberals for burying
legislators she hopes to deal with as
crime bills.
governor. Aggressively attacking "Sac-
"He hasn't gone out of his way to
ramento" and "special interests"
say, 'We have to clean up the mess
words regarded by most lawmakers as
in Sacramento.' said Wilson's
euphemisms for themselves-would
press secretary, Bill Livingston.
risk "creating an atmosphere where
"He's not saying, "Throw the bums
they would go out of their way to see
out.'
that I'd not be a successful governor,"
Feinstein's gentle scoldings of
she said in an interview. "I'd like to
Sacramento have been aimed basi-
create an atmosphere that addresses
issues and where everybody is willing to
cally at the lame-duck Republican
work together."
governor, George Deukmejian.
-There is gridlock in the capitol, she
H
istory shows that although beating
says, because of inertia in the
up on Sacramento may be popular
governor's office.
with voters, there inevitably is a price to
That is not to say the Legislature
pay for gubernatorial candidates who do
is faultless. let alone ethically pure,
it. "That's a mild understatement," said
the former San Francisco mayor
former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., who
will acknowledge if asked.
pushed for political reform and enraged
"That body has to come to grips
legislators when he ran for governor in
with its own rules," she said.
1974, the first post-Watergate election.
"That's the whole essence of ethics
"Even to this date, it kind of sticks in
their craw," Brown said of his first
reform and I think it's beginning-to
campaign. "There are a couple of sena-
happen. There have been some big
and painful lessons learned. And
tors who haven't spoken to me since.
That was something not well received."
with a new governor, there is an
Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp paid
opportunity to set a new tone up
the price literally earlier this year for
there and that's what I hope to do."
proposing Proposition 131-a govern-
ment ethics initiative with term limits—
- 13 -
a
Legislators line up
BALLOT MEASURES
What the measures would do:
against term limits
Proposition 140
Limit statewide officers and
state senators to two consecu-
tive four-year terms, members
and former President Ronald
of assembly to three two-year
Wilson nearly alone
Reagan (although adviser Stu
terms.
Spencer said Reagan has decided
Reduce the Legislature's bud-
among top
not to get involved despite his per-
get by about $70 million.
politicians
sonal opposition to term limits.)
Eliminate the Legislature's
While celebrities may be more
pension plan. replacing it with
in backing initiative
influential with voters viscerally
the federal Social Security Sys-
drawn to the notion of "throwing
tem.
the rascals out," academics will
By Vicki Haddock
wage a more thoughtful debate in
and Steven A. Capps
Proposition 131
OF THE EXAMINER STAFF
newspaper editorial boards and ra-
dio talk shows. Their arguments
Limit the governor and other
Pete Wilson stands alone. Al-
are targeted to better-informed
statewide officers to eight
most every other top California
voters who see a paralysis in state
years and members of the Leg-
politician is lining up behind a
government and are reluctantly
islature to 12 years. After an in-
dividual is out of office for a
fierce last-minute blitz to torpedo
leaning toward term limits as a
term, he or she could seek of-
the idea of term limits for legiala-
remedy.
tors.
Proposition 131 by Democratic
fice again.
And staff members say they are
Attorney General John Van de
Provide partial public cam-
being compelled by their legislator
Kamp would limit legislators to 12
paign financing, tied to cam-
bosses to donate to the cause.
consecutive years in office.
paign expenditure limits.
They say donations are being
Prop. 140 by Republican Los
Enact "ethics reforms," pro-
solicited with the implied threat
Angeles County Supervisor Pete
hibiting officials from accepting
that those who don't contribute
Schabarum would limit members
honorariums and reducing the
money or time may be the first to
of the Assembly to six years and
value of gifts that could be ac-
lose their jobs should voters ap-
senators to eight years.
cepted.
prove the more severe of two Cali-
Prop. 140 would also cut the
fornia initiatives that would limit
Legislature's budget by at least 38
EXAMINER GRAPHICS
legislative terms.
percent and perhaps as much as 50
The campaign against the two
percent, forcing the layoff of scores
With surveys showing that
propositions is a tough sell, contin-
of legislative employees.
even voters dissatisfied with Sacra-
gent on persuading voters that
mento's status quo still feel satis-
they do not want precisely what
Battle plan
fied with their local Assembly
they think they do want.
Strategy is still in the making,
member or senator, the goal is to
Polls show voters favor both
but insiders gave a rough guide of
exploit that popularity.
measures on the November ballot,
plans to defeat Props. 131 and 140:
Two examples: Oakland voters
a groundswell that apparently in-
Democratic legislative leaders
might receive a direct-mail piece
fluenced Wilson to take the riskiest
Willie Brown and David Roberti
reminding them that popular long-
gamble of the campaign by backing
time state Sen. Nicholas Petris
and Republican leaders Johnson
Proposition 140 - one of the two
would not be thrown out of office
and Ken Maddy will continue over-
initiatives.
seeing a huge fund-raising drive to
via term limits, and voters in urban
President Bush may join him
underwrite at least a $4 million
Los Angeles might hear ads on
soon. Bush suggested at a news
campaign.
black radio stations reminding
conference Tuesday that he was
them that Maxine Waters could
Masterminded by Berman
toying with the idea of campaign-
not have achieved what she did
and D'Agostino Campaigns, a Los
ing for term limits.
Angeles political firm, the No on
under an Assembly term-limit BYS-
"I may go public on that. I'm
tem.
131 and 140 forces hope to saturate
certainly not opposed to it," Bush
the airwaves in the final two weeks
Even without Reagan's direct
said. "Whether I make it a prime
before the election.
participation, voters may be point-
mover in the political campaign
Ads will try to treat Props.
edly reminded of his opposition to
that lies ahead in the next few
term limits.
131 and 140 as Siamese twins.
weeks, I don't know."
Conservatives balk more at the
campaign financing mechanism in
'People are really paranoid'
Most Republicans object
131, while liberals balk more at the
"Most people are really para-
But in California, Marian Ber-
Draconian cuts of legislative bud-
noid," said an upper-level staff
geson, Republican nominee for
gets in 140; linking the two ce-
member who, like others con-
lieutenant governor, calls it a bad
ments a bipartisan consensus. Op-
tacted, insisted on anonymity. "It's
idea. And Republican Assembly
ponents privately hope voters draw
pretty much all that's being talked
Minority Leader Ross Johnson of
the mistaken impression that both
about in the Capitol, how to get on
Fullerton complained in a letter to
measures would trigger unpopular
which (contributors') list, and
colleagues that the two measures
taxpayer financing of campaigns.
make sure you're covered."
"subject all legislators, whether
Another pitch will warn vot-
Rumors are rampant among
good, bad or indifferent, to arbi-
ers, in effect: "There may come a
Capitol aides. One legislator was
trary term limits." Only a few GOP
day when the state is in such need
said to have told a group of staff
legislators support term limits.
that well have to call on our best
members, "Don't ante up, and
Opponents are scrambling to re-
and Brightest. What do we do if
you're out of here." Some say legis-
cruit a star-studded lineup to speak
they've already served their time?"
lative leaders are keeping 3-by-5
against the idea.
Focus groups show voters react
cards listing each staffer and what
Unofficial overtures have been
strongly when informed that Prop.
he or she has contributed to the
made to an array of big names,
140 enacts a lifetime ban once a
effort so far. There is no proof of
including TV superdad Bill Cosby
term limit is reached.
either.
14 -
Sa. Bee D3
12/12/90
B
y raising the intensity of the
debate over term limits, Wil-
he will be identified more and
son has placed Feinstein on
DAN WALTERS
the defensive. forcing her to tell vot.
more with the Legislature and
ers - rather lamely - that a "lack of
its unpopular leaders and that
will undercut her self-drawn reform-
leadership" rather than the Legisla.
ture is to blame for the Capitol's po-
er image. It is. in short, a political
Limiting terms
box.
litical stalemate when most Califor-
Tactics aside. there will be an in-
nians hold the opposite view.
Indirectly. Wilson's factical ploy also
tensified political debate over term
a hot button
has altered the chemistry of the cam-
limits and their impact on a legisla-
paign over the term-limitation pro-
tive process.
posals themselves.
Advocates of limits say that the
uddenly, limiting legislative
The one that Wilson is endorsing,
Legislature has become the private
terms is the hottest political is.
Proposition 140, is the brainchild of
preserve of incumbents who are iso-
sue in California, and one that
Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete
lated from the larger public, virtually
could be pivotal in the otherwise
Schabarum and would limit legisla-
immune to political challenge. The
close duel for the governorship.
tors to three two-year terms in the
incumbents control the shapes and
Pete Wilson, the Republican candi-
Assembly and two four-year terms in
the political inclinations of their own
date for governor, elevated term lim-
the Senate and also would slash leg-
districts through reapportionment
its into front-page prominence last
islators' special retirement system
and blow away would-be challengers
Sunday when he endorsed a highly
and the Legislature's internal budget.
with huge campaign war chests ex-
controversial ballot measure, Propo-
Another measure, Proposition 131,
tracted from special interest lobby.
sition 140, during his first televised
sponsored by Attorney General John
ists.
debate with Democrat Dianne Fein-
Van de Kamp and some liberal re-
Common Cause, the political re.
stein.
formers, has more elastic limits and
form group that supports Proposition
Declaring that "the California Leg.
would impose restrictions on cam-
131. underlined that Thursday with a
islature has deteriorated markedly,
paign contributions and spending.
new report showing that legislative
Wilson called for term limits in a bid
Both are hated by all but a few in.
incumbents this year have raised six
10 portray himself as the agent of po-
cumbent legislators of both parties
times as much money as challengers.
litical reform and Feinstein as the de.
and they have been organizing a
referring to it as "a wall of political
fender of the status quo.
multimillion-dollar campaign to de-
money that makes them almost in-
Tactically. it was a masterstroke
feat both, but they fear and loathe
vincible."
because Feinstein could hardly disa-
Proposition 140 much more than
Cracking the wall that separates
vow. her close political connections
Proposition 131.
the Legislature from accountability is
with legislative leaders such as As.
Having Wilson align his campaign
fundamental to any reformation of
sembly Speaker Willie Brown. In.
for the governorship with Proposi-
the Capitol. Term limits may not be
deed, the effect was to underscore
tion 140 is a major boon to its spon-
the perfect approach, but precious
those connections at a moment when
sors, since they lack money to run a
few others are available 10 a disgust-
term limits are highly popular and
conventional campaign. and it will
ed California public.
the Legislature is despised.
make the opposition drive being or-
Post-debate polls indicated that it
ganized by Speaker Brown more dif-
DAN WALTERS' column appears daily. BX-
certainly didn't hurt Wilson. The Cal-
ficult to pursue. no matter how much
cept Saturday. Write him at P.O. Box 15779.
ifornia Poll. which was questioning
money they collect and spend.
Sacramento 95852. or ca" (916) 321-1195.
potential voters as the debate OC.
The more Brown & Co. try to de-
curred, found that his lead over Fein-
fend the legislative status quo, the
stein had already widened but re-
more they are putting Feinstein and
mained about the same in the wake
her trailing candidacy on the spot.
of the video confrontation. It now
stands at 47 percent to 42 percent.
Wilson. at least, thinks it's a win-
ning issue and is continuing to ham-
mer on the Legislature in post-debate
speeches.
- 15 -
WARREN
crats who claim access to com-
appeared in this newspaper Sun-
day notwithstanding, the Fein-
HINCKLE
puterized blowups of videotaped
debate footage showing her ges-
stein campaign is entering & tail-
ticulating with a word-heavy
spin phase like those of previous
palm The dreary matter did
Feinstein campaigns, which ex-
candidate Feinstein no good
perienced intellectual paralysis
with the electorate, because on
in the home stretch.
the most elemental of percep-
Dianne appears to be too rigid
tions it looks like she either (a)
to realize that the Year of the
cheated, or (b) cheated and tried
Woman in politics, the promis-
to tell little white lies about it
Feinstein is now tarred with a
version of George Bush's "read
Feinstein is
my hips" credibility gap.
Zap No. 2: Feinstein surren-
tarred with a
dered her "fresh voice" high
Feinstein loses
version of
ground - and unthinkingly
handed Wilson the governorship
Bush's 'read
you read it
- when she allowed the Caspar
Milquetosst-ish Wilson to sand-
my hips'
here first
bag her into linking her candida-
credibility gap.
cy with the entrenched Demo-
cratic machine in Sacramento
ing rock upon which she founded
and the deal-cutting of Willie
her gubernatorial effort, has, at
XACTLY three
E
Brown.
least for the moment, subsided,
weeks to go until the
This is a political no-no in the
end the year of Throw the Bums
election. Member-
anti-incumbent climate of the
Out has caught the electoral
ship in the profes-
nation. But when Wilson broke
winds.
sional poll watchers
with his own state Republican
Zep No. 3: Citizen Feinstein is
association should be restricted
leadership and surprised every-
going to be sorry she took all the
to those who are willing to now
one by endorsing Prop. 140, the
available money and ran when a
put their predictions in a sealed
legislative term limitation mea-
judge threw out state Sen. Quen.
envelope to be opened the morn-
sure, Feinstein - instead of at-
tin Kopp's campaign contribu-
ing after Nov. 6.
tacking Wilson for his Republi-
tion limitation measure. Fein-
In that spirit of unbridled
can military industrial complex
stein had previously supported
guessmanship, I put myself out
pork-barreling - went into a
this reform, but she couldn't weit
on this gubernatorial limb: to
time warp back to her Coro
to suck in the special-interest
predict that Dianns Feinstein
Foundation good-governiment
checks when barriers went
will be defeated for governor by
intern days. She actually deliv-
down.
Pete Wilson. Dianne has zapped
ered E lecture on the importance
This gave the desper-pock-
herself.
of keeping Old Boys in Sacra-
eted Wilson the morally superior
Zap No. 1: Dianne Feinstein's
mentol
ground of sticking by the law
Catholic school girl training
She was of course partly right
while his rivel groveled for for-
came back to bedevil her in their
- guarantesing greenhorns ev-
mally illegitimate bucks. After
first TV debate. Everyone who
ery go-around in Sacramento
he has milked this for all it is
has gone to parochial schools
makes the new crop easy pick-
worth, Wilson will then say he
knows that the way you cheat in
ings for the lobbyists. Where she
has to fight fire with fire, that
an exam is to scribble the an-
was half wrong was that the lob-
Disnne started it, and take Re-
swers in ballpoint on your hand.
byists are aiready getting their
publican special-interest money,
(You can also get a fair amount
way with the politically seasoned
which will bring in maybe $20 for
of copy on the inside of your
legislative hacks, who have made
every buck Dianne took
wrist, if your dere.)
successive terms in office some-
Wilson, using a fattened war
I: matters little whether
thing skin to the divine right of
chest, will bury Feinstein in an
Dianne inked on her flesh only
kings. This is the half that is per-
avalanche of last-minute TV ads
three Httle words, as she insisted,
fectly clear to the voters, whose
that will stress her going side-
or had & copy of the Gettysburg
present mood is "better the devil
wise on principle.
Address temporarily tattooed on
we don't know than the devils we
Result: Feinstein the loser.
her, as is asserted by mean-spir-
do."
Wilson wins big, by as much as 6
ited Southern California techno-
The hagiographic articles that
percent.
16
II. RICHARD BLUM -- STILL IN THE NEWS
pages 18-23
page:
18. "SEC Investigates Firm Whose Biggest Stockholder Is
Feinstein's Husband," " by David Willman, Los Angeles Times,
October 4, 1990
20. "Feinstein's Husband Sold Stock Two Days Before Value
Plunged, by David Willman, Los Angeles Times, September 14,
1990
22. "Blum's Client List Links Feinstein to Pier 39, by Philip J.
Trounstine, San Jose Mercury News, September 8, 1990
23. "Feinstein's Mate, and His Money, Sort of Running Too," by
Gerry Braun, San Diego Union, October 13, 1990
- 17 -
SEC Investigates Firm Whose Biggest
Stockholder Is Feinstein's Husband
Securities: Blum denies
URS Corp., said that the SEC "has under
"intimately in: olved" in the firm's opera-
consideration
violations of certain
tions.
participating in any
sections of [federal securities law] and
The SEC's investigation comes in addi- -
the seeking of an injunction against any
tion to settlements-for a total of $35
improprieties. Probe focuses on
violations
in the future." Officials
million of shareholders' lawsuits that
allegations that the company
with the SEC declined, as a matter of
alleged financial misconduct by Bhum and
and its officials inflated the
policy, to confirm or deny the existence of
three of the companies in which he has
the investigation.
been a major shareholder. Blum has said
value of stock.
Blum, reached Wednesday, said he was
he was asked "some months ago" by the
10/4/90 A3 L.A. Times
unaware that the SEC is investigating the
SEC wheth he used inside infor mation
company. He said he neither participated
when he sold stock in one of those
By DAVID WILLMAN
in nor knew about the alleged impropri-
companies. National Education Corp.
HMIS S STATT WRITER
eties at URS at the time and was a
Blum's investments and other business
SAN FRANCISCO-The Securities
"victim."
relationships became issues in the Cali-
and Exchange Commission is investigat-
"I can tell you absolutely and categori-
fornia governor's race last spring after he
ing alleged stock manipulation by an
cally I knew nothing," said Blum. a
and Feinstein loaned about $3 million to
engineering firm whose biggest stock-
director and paid financial consultant of
her campaign. Records show that their
holder is Richard C. Blum the husband
URS since 1975.
money of it from Blum's income as
of Dianne Feinstein and the chief finan-
Blum blamed the company's former top
an investor, CODE ant and manager of
executives for URS's problems. He said
investing partnerships the
cial backer of her campaign for governor,
that his involvement in the running of the
largest single somee of fund. for Pein-
records show.
company was limited and that he did not
stein's campaign.
The investigation focuses on allega
compose the financial reports.
Feinstein is expected to raise $10
tions that the company and its officials
"We had a level of confidence that these
million in her campaign while her Repub-
inflated the value of the firm's stock by
guys, after being with them for 10 years,
lican opponent, U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson, is
issuing false and mislcading financial
knew what they were doing," said Blum.
expected to raise at least $16 million,
statements during 1986 and 1987, accord-
"Obviously, things got out of control."
according to aides.
ing to the company's quarterly financial
Blum's description of his involvement
Feinstein. who married Blum in 1980,
JOE
KENNEDY
/
Los
Angeles
Times
statement, filed publicly with the SEC in
was disputed by the company's former
listed Blum's URS income as more than
Richard Blum says he did not participate in or know
late September.
chief financial officer, Richard IT. Towle,
$100,000 annually on financial disclosure
of alleged improprieties and was a "victim."
The company, San Francisco-based
who told The Times that Blum was
Please see BLUM. A38
BLUM: SEC Probes Firm
A summary of the settlement said
company executives of inflating
"some months ago" about his sale
and through his control of Richard
that Blum, URS and the other
Advanced Systems' stock price by
of the stock, but said he presumed
C. Blum & Associates Inc.
defendants, while agreeing to the
falsely portraying its finances.
the investigation had since ended.
Blum, 56, is the majority share-
ontinued from A3
In August, 1989, URS participated
$19.3-million settlement, denied
Without conceding wrongdoing,
In March, 1990, National Educa-
holder of Richard C. Blum & Asso-
atements she was required to file
in a $19.3-million settlement of a
"all liability and allegations of
Advanced Systems, Blum and the
tion Corp. settled for $11.85 million
ciates, a partnership that invests
wing her 10 years as mayor of
class action lawsuit that named
wrongdoing." Blum said that he did
other defendants settled the law-
a shareholders' class action suit
his own money and the money bf
III Francisco.
Blum and eight other directors or
nothing wrong and that the settle-
suit in August, 1988, for $3.9 mil-
against the company, Blum and
clients. Blum receives commissions
Financial disclosure statements
ment was paid entirely by an insur-
lion, according to John G. Jacobs, a
three other directors. The suit
executives of the company as de-
on stock transactions conducted by
led by URS in recent years show
fendants. The class action alleged
ance company and by URS's former
partner in the Chicago law firm of
accused the defendants of lying
Blum & Associates.
at the SEC began investigating
that URS directors and executives
outside auditor, Touche-Ross. A
Plotkin & Jacobs, who represented
about the company's falling reve-
For the years 1987-89, Blum
10 firm in 1988-well before Pein-
issued false and misleading financial
representative of Touche-Ross said
the plaintiffs. Stromberg, who also
nue and earnings to keep the stock
received from URS a total of
ein, a Democrat, signated her
statements "to artificially inflate the
she was unable to comment.
was chairman of the Advanced
price "artificially inflated" during
$1,096,032 in payments, personally
indidacy for governor.
market value of [URS Corp.] com-
The second setback for Blum's
Systems, could not be reached for
the time when Blum sold the $2.7
and through Blum & Associates,
Blum, the firm's large st share-
mon stock" in 1987 and 1988.
company came in May, 1990, when
comment.
million in shares.
records show. Blum said that his
older throughout the 1980s, in-
"There's a lot of people who took
the SEC accused four former exec-
Blum on Wednesday said he did
consulting for URS has been "sp)
reased his holdings in URS from
very substantial losses," said Jef-
utives in a civil filing of issuing six
nothing wrong and relied on the
I
n settling the lawsuit, National
radie" and that he assisted the
bout 10% of the company to about
frey A. Klafter, an attorney with
"false and misleading" statements
executives and accountants em-
Education Corp. termed the ac-
company in finding new sources of
11% this year. Company records
the Manhattan law firm of Bern-
during 1986 and 1987 regarding the
ployed by Advanced Systems.
cusations groundless and said the
capital and with potential inergers
Iso show that Blum and his in-
stein, Litowitz, Berger & Gross-
company's financial posture.
In 1987, Advanced Systems,
suit was settled to avoid what could
and acquisitions.
estment company have received
man, who represented the share-
Among other things, the SEC al-
which originally had been a sub-
have been protracted litigation.
As of June 8, 1990, Blum. now
nonthly financial consulting fees
holders who filed the lawsuit.
leged that the executives overstat-
sidiary of URS, was merged with
The current SEC investigation of
the vice chairman of the company,
hroughout the last decade, includ-
ed the company's revenue and
an Orange County company, Na-
URS centers on the same genre of
controlled 79.63% of URS's stock.
08 more than $1 million from 1987
T
he suit alleged that Blum and
earnings by $13.4 million.
tional Education Corp., and Blum
alleged misrepresentations that
"He [Blum] was the largest
brough 1989.
the other defendants, including
Blum was not cited. Without
became a director and the leading
were at issue in the consent de-
shareholder and was intimately
I
URS has contracts with Califor-
an outside auditing firm, "caused or
admitting or denying the SEC alle-
shareholder of the new, combined
crees reached last May with the
involved in what was going on" at
Ha state government, including
permitted [URS Corp. to issue a
gations, the four executives con-
concern.
four executives, according to the
the company, said Towle, URS's
me for $3 million with the state
series of false and/or misleading
sented to a permanent injunction
The Times reported last month
company's September financial
former chief financial officer and
I
Energy Commission. The company
positive public statements, annual
barring them from future viola-
that Blum sold $2.7 million of
statement, called a 10-Q report.
one of the four former executives
provides consulting services and
and quarterly reports, and other
tions of securities laws.
National Education Corp. stock in
Financial disclosure statements
named in the SEC consent decree
conducts cleanups of contaminated
communications regarding [URS],
One of the four executives was
March, 1989, during the two days
by URS and an interview with the
last May.
water supplies for government and
its businesses, growth, profitabili-
Arthur H. Stromberg, a longtime
before that company announced a
company's former chief financial
Towle said that Blum, in addition
private clients in the United States
ty, assets and future business pros-
Blum business colleague. Strom-
management shake-up that caused
officer show that Blum was and
to attending board meetings. fre-
and abroad. Shares of the firm's
peets."
berg resigned as chairman and
its stock value to plunge.
remains involved in the company's
quently contacted company execu-
dock closed Wednesday at 3½ on
The defendants did this, the suit
chief executive officer of URS
Blum, who continues to control
operations.
tives by telephone and was in-
The New York Stock Exchange.
alleged, "in part to continue
Corp. in June, 1989, and remained a
more stock than any other director
During 1987-the year that the
U.S. District Court records show
and prolong the illusion of JURS
director until last fall.
of Irvine-based National Education
company says was the subject of
volved in selecting an investment
that Blum's company and its offi-
Corp.'s] continued growth, to
Blum and Stromberg were direc-
Corp., has denied any impropricty,
the SEC's initial investigation--
banking firm employed by the
rials also have suffered two legal
protect their executive and/or di-
tors and leading shareholders of an
Blum received monthly payments
company to raise new capital. "At
saying he had no inkling of the
etbacks during the last year--
rectorship positions and the sub-
Illinois-based company, Advanced
impending shake-up because he
for consulting, plus other income
that level, he was not a passive
each related to allegations that the
stantial compensation and/or pres-
Systems Inc., that was sued by
was skiing near Lake Tahoe.
from URS. In all, the firm's annual
observer," said Towle.
firm falsely represented its finan-
tige they obtained, [and lo]
shareholders in 1984. The lawsuit,
On Sept. 15, Blum said that he
10-K report shows that Blum re-
Times staff writers Douglas Frantz
mal condition to shareholders and
enhance the value of their personal
federal court records show, accused
had been questioned by the Securi-
ceived $213,762 in payments that
In Washington and Dan Moraln In San
other potential investors.
[URS stock] holdings and options."
Blum, Stromberg and two other
ties and Exchange Commission
year from the company, personally
Francisco contributed to this report.
Feinstein's Husband Sold Stock
Two Days Before Value Plunged
L.A. Times A3 9/14/90
Investment: A company director, he says he had no knowledge of impending
leadership shake-up that triggered price drop. His sales totaled $2.7 million.
that the stock sale could become
By DAVID WILLMAN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
"an embarrassment" because of the
proximity of the sale and the man-
IRVINE-Dianne Feinstein's
agement announcement. Immedi-
husband-the chief financial back-
ately after the announcement. the
er of her campaign for governor-
stock began falling and by year's
sold $2.7 million of stock in an
end stood at 29% of the price Blum
Orange County company in the two
received.
days before it announced a man-
Mary M. McCue, a spokeswoman
agement shake-up that caused the
for the U.S. Securities and Ex-
stock price to plunge. records show.
change Commission, which enforc-
Feinstein's husband, Richard C.
es the insider-trading law, said she
Blum. is a director and leading
could not comment on whether
shareholder of the company, Ir-
Blum's stock sales have been in-
vine-based National Education
vestigated. and there has been no
Corp.. but said he had no knowl-
Los Angeles Times
evidence of an SEC probe.
edge that the company's No. 2
Richard C. Blum
But the stock sales were ques-
executive was about to resign when
tioned in a civil lawsuit filed last
he sold the stock in March, 1989.
year by shareholders who contend-
Blum, who continues to control the largest block
ed that the company issued rosy financial state-
of the company's stock. told The Times this week
ments while Blum and other directors were selling
he is confident that the transactions complied with
their shares. National Education Corp.. which was
federal law that bars directors and other top
sued along with Blum and three other directors,
corporate executives from profiting on information
settled the lawsuit last March for $11.8 million
unknown to shareholders at large.
before it went to trial.
However. Blum recalled worrying at the time
Please see BLUM. A36
20
BLUM: Feinstein's Husband Sold Stock
Continued from A3
Blum said he hired a law firm to
$250-million exchange of stock. the
A company spokesman said that
analyze the propriety of the trans-
company acquired Advanced Sys-
the company considered the litiga-
actions. The conclusion, Blum said.
tems, a Chicago-based consulting
tion groundless but that the $11.8-
was that he did nothing wrong.
company in which Blum was an
million settlement "rids the com-
"In hindsight, I wouldn't have
investor.
pany of further devotion of effort
done anything different," he said.
National Education Corp. is one
and energy."
For his part, Cwiertnia, who
of the nation's largest providers of
Blum's stake in National Educa-
rejoined the company in July, 1989,
educational services aimed at
tion Corp. was among the business
and is now chief operating officer,
teaching new skills to workers and
holdings he listed recently as part
offered differing recollections of
has a high-profile board of direc-
of the Feinstein campaign's effort
his March, 1989, phone conversa-
tors. The chairman is David C.
to fully disclose the sources of the
tion with Blum during interviews
Jones, former chairman of the
couple's income. Some of those
this week with The Times.
Joint Chiefs of Staff. and other
holdings and past investments had
When first asked if he was aware
directors include former U.S. Sen.
already become campaign issues.
that Blum had sold the stock in the
Barry Goldwater.
Blum, who married Feinstein in
days before the management an-
According to filings with the
1980, has played a significant role
nouncement. Cwiertnia said: "I
SEC. Blum's stock sales began on
in financing the Democratic nomi-
wasn't aware of it at the time."
March 14, 1989. when he sold
nee's campaign. Bolstered by his
adding that he learned of Blum's
75,000 shares on behalf of the
multimillion-dollar income as an
stock sales after the shareholders'
investment group he controls,
investor and manager of invest-
lawsuit months later.
Richard C. Blum & Associates Inc.
ment partnerships, he and his wife
When told that Cwiertnia re-
That stock was sold at a per-share
have loaned nearly $3 million to
called their March. 1989, phone
price of $24.13 and the value of
her campaign.
conversation differently, Blum en-
Blum Associates' sale proceeds was
Blum sold the National Educa-
couraged a reporter to re-inter-
$1,809,750. Blum & Associates in-
tion Corp. stock-on behalf of the
view the executive.
vests in five limited partnerships,
investment partnership he con-
Cwiertnia later returned a sec-
composed of a variety of investors,
trols-on March 14, 1989, and
ond call placed by The Times and
including Blum himself.
March 15, 1989. He told The Times
said that Blum "did tell me" during
that he did so because he had
that March, 1989, phone conversa-
he records show further that,
become dissatisfied with the man-
tion that he had been selling Na-
T
on March 15, 1989. Blum's
agement "style" of H. David
tional Education Corp. stock.
partnership sold 40,000 more
Bright, the company's top execu-
Asked to reconcile that with his
shares, at a per-share price of
tive.
earlier comments, Cwiertnia said
$23.25. The total value of that sale
He had no idea, Blum said, that
he "must have misunderstood" the
was $930,000. On March 16. 1989,
the company would announce on
question initially.
National Education Corp. an-
March 16 that Jerome W. Cwiert-
Cwiertnia also said during the
nounced Cwiertnia was resigning.
nia would resign as president to
first interview that he could not
That same day, the company's
pursue other career opportunities.
recall with certainty which day he
stock plunged to $18 a share.
"I had been skiing." at the
had informed Blum of his intention
By year's end. after subsequent
Squaw Valley resort near Lake
to resign. but that he had told Blum
reports of low earnings and other
Tahoe. Blum said. Blum said that.
at some point during a round of
troubles, the stock sold at $6.88 a
as best he could recall. he learned
phone calls he made to directors of
share.
of the announcement during a
the company. Those calls. Cwiert-
On March 17. 1989, noting the
telephone conversation with
nia said, started "several days
extraordinarily heavy selling of its
Cwiertnia on the evening of March
before" the March 16. 1989. an-
shares and the drop of its stock
15, when Blum returned to his
nouncement of his resignation.
price, National Education Corp.
home in San Francisco.
"Obviously," Cwiertnia said, "a
asked. the New York Stock Ex-
decision of that magnitude is not
change to investigate "unfounded
I
believe the announcement
made in a moment's notice. It
rumors regarding [the company's)
was the next day" after that
wasn't made overnight."
business performance and pros-
phone call. Blum said. "But I can't
In the second interview. Cwiert-
pects." Jack Polley, a spokesman
swear to it."
nia recalled with more certainty
for National Education. said the
Blum said that Cwiertnia "had
his conversation with Blum. He
stock exchange did not report any
been trying" unsuccessfully to
said he was "pretty sure" they
findings.
reach him. When Cwiertnia in-
spoke the night of March 15. 1989.
Seven months later, after the
formed him that he was going to
the evening before the announce-
stock price had tumbled to about S8
resign. Blum said. "You could have
ment. "I had tried to reach him
a share. the investment partner-
knocked me over with a feath-
earlier." Cwiertnia said. "and he
ship Blum controls began reinvest
er.
1 had no knowledge that he
had been out skiing."
ing. The stock closed Thursday at
was going to resign.'
Harvey L. Pit: former general
$3.50 a share. unchanged from the
Blum also said that "within 45
counse! of the Securities and Ex-
day before in composite trading on
seconds" of the outset of their
change Commission, said that cor-
the New York Stock Exchange.
phone conversation. he told
porate insiders risk running afoul
Federal records show that Slum
Cwiertnia that he had been "selling
of the law if they buy or sell stock
controls 6.71% of National Educa-
the stock."
on the eve of public announce-
tion Corp.'s stock. Asked why he
"I said to him. Remember this.
ments that can affect the value of
decided to reinvest. Blum said the
because it's significant.
I
the company's stock.
return of Cwiertnia helped rekin-
knew that this could be an embar-
Blum became a prominent
rassment."
X
die his confidence. "We changed
shareholder of National Education
our attitude about the company."
Shortly after the stock was sold,
Corp. in 1987. when, through a
he said.
21
Diwn сшет ШОС ШШАЯ
Feinstein to Pier 39
By Philip J. Trounstine
could recall Feinstein taking any
and Bert Robinson
action to expedite or even to en-
Mercury News Staff Writers
courage the Port Commission to
In her final months as mayor of
approve Pier 39's aquarium plan
Her close friend Gartland, how-
San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein
approved a waterfront redevelop-
ever, did seek quick approval of
ment plan containing special ex-
the aquarium plan at a Sept. 9,
ceptions sought by the owners of
1987 meeting of the Port Commis-
Pier 39, who were business part-
sion. But when environmentalists
ners of her husband.
raised concerns about the project
Feinstein
Blum
Feinstein also publicly support-
and commissioners raised ques-
ed a proposal by Pier 39 to build
Feinstein herself
tions about traffic and parking, the
an underwater aquarium. And,
aquarium was put on hold until It
while there is no evidence of her
says she never used
could be reviewed by the Planning
direct involvement, her hand-
Commission and the Bay Conser-
picked port director - who was
her position to
vation and Development District.
her business partner and another
"There was nothing in which the
of her husband's clients - sought
benefit her
mayor's office was in any way in-
speedy approval of a new lease
volved as far as we can tell," said
authorizing the aquarium.
husband's clients.
Hadley Roff, Feinstein's former
Waterfront business operators
City Hall deputy. "No correspon-
say they suspected that the pier
dence, no communications, that
owners - the billionaire Bass
we're aware of.'
Bass and Gartland.
brothers of Fort Worth, Texas -
Feinstein critics, like environ-
Blum's client list and the cou-
were receiving favors from city
mental attorney Sue Hestor, find
ple's tax records also were the
hall because of their ties to Fein-
the claim incredible, since Fein-
source of an article Thursday in
stein's husband.
stein had a reputation for manag-
the San Francisco Chronicle. The
But there is nothing in the re-
ing the details of public policy
article reported that, as meyor in
cord to suggest that Feinstein vio-
especially in the case of a project
1980 Feiristein did not report a
lated any laws, and Feinsteln her-
as significant 85 Underwater
series of investments by Blum in
self and other key players say she
World.
Marriott Corp., which was bidding
never used her position to benefit
And Peter Brown, executive di-
her husband's clients.
for part of a $3 billion city redevel-
rector of the Anchorage Shopping
opment contract.
"This is one thing I was very,
Center in the wharf area said,
very careful about," Feinstein said.
$3 million loan
"There's always been a sense of
"There can't be anyone who says
favoritism toward Pier 39. Every-
Blum's sources of income have
that I did anything inappropriate
emerged as an issue in the Califor-
one looks at this aquarium project
or out of place. Every one of those
nia governor's race between Fein-
as something Dianne fostered."
projects stood on their own
I
stein and Republican Sen. Pete
Pier 39 wanted out
spoke to no one, I called no one, I
Wilson because Blum and Fein-
wrote to no one
my husband's
In October 1987, Feinstein's re-
stein have loaned the former San
partners are his business."
development plan came before the
Francisco mayor's campaign
The aquarium project, after
Board of Supervisors. By then,
about $3 million - by far the larg-
years of envi-
Pier 39's owners wanted out of the
est source of campaign funds in
ronmental de-
ELECTION
redevelopment plan because they
her bid to become the state's first
lays, finally
feared it would further slow plans
woman governor.
received ap-
for Underwater World. The super-
In the final months of Feln-
proval of the
visors, under intense pressure, al-
stein's term as mayor in 1987, Pier
Bay Conserva-
Howed Pier 39 out of the plan.
39 was at the center of two water-
tion and Development Commission
front controversies in which Fein-
Fearing redevelopment would
on Thursday. It remains in the
stein and Gartland had influence:
be meaningless unless Pier 89
planning process.
the creation by the Board of Super-
were included, neighborhood activ-
Feinstein's connection to Pier 39
ists then asked Feinstein to veto
visors of a redevelopment area
came to light last week when her
the board resolution and insist on
from Pier 35 to Pier 45, and ap-
spouse, investment banker Richard
her original plan. But she approved
proval by the Port Commission of
C. Blum, under pressure from U.S.
plans for an "Underwater World"
the plan on Oct. 16.
Sen. Pete Wilson, released a full
"Pier 39 can be added by
aquarium at Pier 39.
list of his clients.
amendment at a later time," she
On Aug. 7, 1987, Feinstein pro-
Bass family among clients
posed a redevelopment plan, in-
said the next day.
cluding a new fishing boat berth on
Chris Martin, co-chairman of the
Included were Robert M. Bass
the west side of Pier 45, a public
Fisherman's Wharf Citizen's Advi-
and family of Fort Worth; David
courtyard or plazza on Fisher-
sory Commission, recalls thinking
Bonderman, who runs the Bass
man's Whart and a public market-
of Pier 39's special treatment in
family business, and Vanilla Part-
place at Pier 45, Most of the im-
the redevelopment plan: "I under-
pers, a Bass family partnership.
provements in the multimillion-
stand why they're exempted It's
Also listed was Eugene Gartland,
dollar plan were to be constructed
because of Bass' relationship with
the former San Francisco Port di-
three to six blocks from Pier 39.
Blum'
rector who is co-trustee with Fein-
5B
But the project's 215-acre redevel-
stein of the Bertram Feinstein
opment area stretched from Pier
Trust, which owns part of the Carl-
35 to Pier 45.
1990
ton Hotel in San Francisco.
Pier 39's owners, including
Blum sald the Bass brothers are
Chronicle Ventures, a subsidiary of
limited partners in some of the
the San Francisco Chronicle, did
Sept.
limited partnerships Blum manag-
not initially object to the plan.
es as part of his $400 million in-
They were more concerned with
vestment business. The business
obtaining a new lease from the
Saturday,
relationship dates to 1985, he said.
Port Commission that would per-
Feinstein's public disclosure
mit them to build an underwater
statements never included Bass or
aquarium
Gartland. But under state regula-
Fritz Arko, president of Pier 39,
News
tions, she was not required to list
recalled in an interview that "Di-
them. California's Political Re-
anne, as mayor, expressed her sup-
form Act prohibits politicians from
part for Underwater World" at one
Mercury
taking any action affecting their
or two meetings in the mayor's
Jo8f
own economic fortunes. But the
office with tenants of the wharf.
law does not extend to the sort of
But neither Arko, nor Feinstein,
San
limited partnerships linking Blum,
nor Gartland, the port director,
22
remstems mate, and nis
Blum calls the attacks sexist, say-
money, sort of running too
ing Wilson "is such a product of the
old-boy network that he can't imag-
ine how to run against a woman."
Dick Blum often
But political consultants in both
dating back before their wedding to a
parties say Wilson is pursuing a solid
targeted, but
time when the lanky, tousle-haired
strategy dictated by Feinstein her-
Blum was a constant companion.an
self, given that her moderate views
enjoys campaign
self-styled protector of the recently
and Reaganesque campaign style are
widowed mayor.
SO difficult to attack.
By Gerry Braun
When Feinstein stood for election
Staff Writer
10
113/90
Instead, Wilson has gone after
in 1979, Blum got his first taste of
Blum, whose rumpled look and laid-
SAN FRANCISCO - Dick Blum
campaign life. The city buzzed with
back demeanor are ill-suited to tele-
expected it might come to this. As his
anecdotes about this unknown finan-
vision sound bites, whose occupation
wife, Dianne Feinstein, campaigns
cier who had insinuated himself into
is mysterious, and whose clientele is
for governor of California, there is as
City Hall, advising the mayor on ev-
a rarefied circle of multimillio-
much scrutiny of his far-flung busi-
erything from personal finances to
naires.
ness deals as of her centrist politics.
city hiring.
The execution has been an unquali-
Sensational headlines have di-
Most vividly, Blum was at Fein-
fied success, said Mervin Field, di-
vulged Blum's business exploits. Re-
stein's side during the so-called
rector of the non-partisan California
porters have rooted around his tax
White Night riots, when protesters
Poll.
returns. His confidential client list
torched eight squad cars outside her
"Feinstein needed the summer to
was published for all to read. And a
office, outraged by the lenient jury
gain visibility, to convey to voters
stream of interviewers has parauce
verdict in the trial of Dan White, the
that she is of a new wave of politi-
to his investment house in the shad-
assassin of Mayor George Moscone
cians, that she has a vision for Cali-
ow of the TransAmerica building.
and Supervisor Harvey Milk.
fornia," Field said. "Instead, you had
For these one-on-one sessions, too
Feinstein huddled with police offi-
a wealthy man explaining why he
numerous to count, Blum talks ear-
cials that night in her darkened of-
makes so much money, defending
nestly about politics and resists a
fice, its walls illuminated by the fire
why he sold stocks when he did. It's
strong inclination to prop his feet on
outside, its windows shattered by
hard for the average voter to identify
his desk.
rocks.
with that."
In due course, a secretary buzzes
Aides urged her to go out on the
Wilson's attacks have been clumsy
and the interview concludes with a
balcony and talk reason to the mob.
at times. One television spot, riddled
quick tour of the office - the Hima-
But Blum, who had quietly moni-
with inaccuracies, included the false
layan photographs, his oil-painted Ti-
tored the street scene from a win-
charge that Feinstein and Blum own
betan Wheel of Life, and then the
dow, stepped forward and vetoed the
a savings and loan. Actually, their
door.
idea, his concern for Feinstein's safe-
interest in the S&L is negligible.
The campaign has been quite an
1y outweighing the political instincts
Field argued, however, that the in-
experience, Blum wryly notes, and
of her staff.
nuendo sticks because voters are
he has paid only $3 million for the
A month later, allusions to that
"relatively disengaged," and "when
honor.
well-reported incident cropped up in
they get involved in the race, it's a
"Obviously," he said, referring to
a mocking speech by Feinstein's
matter of fleeting headlines or
his enormous loans to his wife's cam-
mayoral opponent, Supervisor Quen-
glimpses on the tube."
paign, "there has never been anyone
tin Kopp, who chided Feinstein for
in the history of California who has
Indeed, it has been newspaper
spending so much time "closeted
scrutiny of Blum that has unearthed
done more for a candidate he was
with her lover."
married to than I have."
the most damaging headlines, though
"I don't know whom to attack -
Nor, one might suspect, has there
Blum argues that he fares much bet-
Dick or Dianne," Kopp confessed. His
ter when all the facts are known.
been one who loved it more.
previously friendly audience answer-
Although Blum, 56, has been the
Some examples:
ed with hisses.
The San Francisco Chronicle re-
target of almost daily criticism from
It was a turning point - the last
his wife's opponents since this spring,
ported that, in 1980, Feinstein's dis-
time Kopp would attack the mayor's
closure reports omitted Blum invest-
be continues to revel in campaign
suitor that year, though in a recent
life, accompanying his wife to small-
ments in the Marriott Corp. at a time
interview he recalled having had
the hotel company was bidding on a
town meetings, working the phones
more to say, much more to say,
$3 billion city contract.
to raise money, offering his ample
about Dick Blum.
The revelation dashed Blum's re-
handshake like an eager staff aide.
Now. 11 years later, the Feinstein
peated claim that he has scrupulous-
"My business partners can tell you
campaign hopes for similar relief
ly avoided business deals that over-
I'm definitely not holding up my end
from Sen. Pete Wilson's constant at-
lap with Feinstein's duties.
of the bargain around here," Blum
tacks on Blum, a day when voters
Blum blames the error on bad ad-
said, without much concern in his
sense the GOP candidate crossing
vice given by a mayoral aide - who
voice. "It takes a lot of time and ef-
some invisible line between the polit-
neither confirms nor disputes Blum's
fort to stay on top of all these invest-
ical and the personal, and - like
version - and says the disclosure
ments, and frankly the campaign
Kopp's audience - they stop listen-
laws were confusing, since he mar-
winds up being a major distraction
ing.
ried Feinstein in midyear and sold
from what I really like to do.
That day seems unlikely to arrive,
his Marriott stock before the year
"On the other hand, as you know,
given that Wilson carefully couches
ended.
I'll kill to get Dianne elected."
his inquiries into every aspect of
The Chronicle also reported
Blum's affairs by arguing that the
that Blum purchased Disney stock a
public deserves to know of any finan-
few days before a report of strong
The union of money and power is
cial conflicts Feinstein might face as
quarterly earnings caused its price
nothing new to politics, though rarely
governor.
to rise sharply. The article suggested
has it been arranged so compactly as
In his latest attack, Wilson com-
that Blum was tipped off by a friend
the duo of Feinstein, the former
plains that Blum is not releasing his
on the Disney board.
San Francisco mayor, and Blum, the
income tax returns, but only allow-
Blum's response, borne out by
investment banker whose firm con-
ing reporters to view them in the of-
newspaper accounts of that time, is
trolled $400 million- in assets last
fice of his accountant.
that inside information was unneces-
year.
True enough, said Feinstein cam-
sary. The favorable earnings report
Public attention and even suspi-
paign manager William Carrick:
was on the grapevine weeks before
mon have dogged their relationship,
"The Wilson people have a history of
Blum bought Disney stock, and was
distorting everything they get their
touted in the Wall Street Journal
hands on. and we don't think it's in
"Heard on the Steet" column and in
our interests to give them anything
investor advisories issued by two
more to distort."
major firms, Merrill Lynch and
Goldman Sachs.
23 -
Len
stock in an,( range County firm, Na-
these days, but then Blum's interests
tional Education Corp., only days be-
have always been wide-ranging.
fore a management shake-up
Before receiving a business degree
dropped the stock's price from $24 to
and joining Sutro & Co. as a junior
$18 a share. Again, the implicit
research analyst. Blum took a year
charge is insider trading.
to study the philosopher Kant at the
Blum, who remains a director in
University of Geneva.
the firm, denies knowledge of the
And en route to earning a reputa-
pending resignations, and offers cir-
tion as an investment whiz kid, he
cumstantial evidence of his inno-
put together a syndicate that bought
cence: He sold only 15 percent of his
the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
firm's holdings that day and kept
more than 1 million shares. including
Bailey Circus. A later brainstorm -
all his personally held stock, even as
buying Farrell's Ice Cream Parlors
the price fell below $8. Today the
- was a colossal bust.
shares aren't worth $3 each.
At age 29, Blum became the
A subsequent story quoted compa-
youngest partner in Sutro's 115-year
ny officials as saying that Blum "in
history, and after helping to incorpo-
no way acted improperly" and that
rate the firm in 1970, he emerged as
an earlier inquiry by the Securities
its second biggest shareholder.
and Exchange Commission cleared
Five years later, he started his
him of any wrongdoing.
own firm and became chairman of a
fiscal advisory committee under
Mayor Moscone, whom he backed in
the 1975 mayoral race. Feinstein fin-
Before Blum became accustomed
ished third in the race.
to having his motives questioned, he
When the committee issued a re-
had his own modest agenda for when
port on city finances that Feinstein
Feinstein becomes governor: to act
did not understand, Blum scheduled
as an informal adviser on economic
lunch to talk it over. The report was
matters.
updated a year later, and a second
Blum played a similar role when
lunch was set.
Moscone was mayor, and he was an
In the interim, Blum had divorced
"in-house investment banker" in the
his wife, with whom he had three
Carter White House, helping to cre-
daughters, now aged 22 to 29, and
ate the Urban Development Action
Feinstein had lost her second hus-
Grant (UDAG) program, which
band, surgeon Bert Feinstein, to can-
steers corporate investment, and
cer.
blue-collar jobs, back into urban cen-
Though they were not allies in
ters.
those days, Blum had been watching
Sounding very much like a Repub-
Feinstein's career on the Board of
lican, Blum offers his qualifications
Supervisors with interest.
this way: "Bureaucrats haven't lived
"She was sort of the bright, active
in the private sector, so there tends
light on the board," he recalled. "An
to not be a lot of first-rate business
independent. She cared about social
expertise in government. Most peo-
issues, minority communities, men-
ple in government have never had to
tal health, that sort of stuff. We
meet a payroll. What I would like to
cared about the same issues even
do is be the common-sense business
back then."
Coice in the admii "stration."
Over financial data and rex sole, a
,
Today, he admits, that dream has
romance was kindled. "Lunch led to
faded.
dinner, and the rest is kind of histo-
But Blum's other interest is moun-
ry," Blum said.
Moscone was assassinated a few
taineering - the forbidding Himala-
yas have been a fascination since
months later, and when Feinstein
childhood - and he suggests that
succeeded him as mayor, the little-
known Blum accompanied her into
could lead to something "new and in-
he spotlight.
teresting."
In the early days of her mayorship,
"I do a lot of trail running - hun-
Blum was a constant presence -
dreds of miles in the Sierras and a lot
marching at her side in a candlelight
of time in the Himalayas running,"
vigil after the City Hall shootings,
he said. "As a kid who grew up going
interviewing applicants for a deputy
up to the Sierras, I've seen what has
mayor's post, buying her in-laws' in-
happened to the environment there,
terest in the Hotel Carlton, an invest-
and I'd like to have some voice in the
ment property she co-owned with her
late husband.
environmental policy in this state."
Media coverage of Feinstein could
Attesting to his credentials, Blum's
not help but include the mayor's
office walls are covered with photos
man, especially when his Everest ex-
from his Himalayan treks, including
pedition was underwritten by the San
an unsuccessful assault on Mount
Francisco Examiner, which also pub-
Everest in 1981, when his 16-member
lished his firsthand accounts.
expedition sought to ascend the
But after Blum was quoted exten-
world's highest peak for the first
sively, and Feinstein not at all, in a
time from China.
press account of the White Night
Blum's interest in that remote re-
riots, he was asked to lower his pro-
gion led him to found the American
file.
Himalayan Foundation, which builds
"Blum's tendency to hover about
and supports hospitals and schools in
the mayor constantly and to speak on
Nepal and Tibet. It also led him to
her behalf has prompted jokes about
befriend the Dalai Lama, the spiritu-
'Blum for Mayor' bumper stickers
al leader of Tibetan Buddhists, and to
and buttons," the Chronicle reported
dabble in Zen Buddhism.
in mid-1979.
- 24
III. JUST FOR FUN
pages 26-27
page:
26. "BART SIMPSON OFFERS FEINSTEIN POINTERS ON PROPER CRIBNOTE
TECHNIQUE; ANIMATED PUNDIT SAYS THAT DEMOCRAT WAS 'WAY TOO
OBVIOUS, DUDE, , II CRP Press Release, October 8, 1990
27. Herb Caen, San Francisco Chronicle, October 2, 1990
- 25 -
California
Republican
Party
news!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DAN SCHNUR
OCTOBER 8, 1990
818/841-5210
BART SIMPSON OFFERS FEINSTEIN POINTERS ON PROPER CRIBNOTE TECHNIQUE
ANIMATED PUNDIT SAYS THAT DEMOCRAT WAS 'WAY TOO OBVIOUS, DUDE'
BURBANK -- Noted political pundit and spin doctor Bart Simpson
today criticized Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dianne Feinstein
for her performance in last night's debate, saying that the former
San Francisco mayor's reliance on cribnotes was "way too obvious,
dude!" According to several observers, including the Los Angeles
Times, Feinstein repeatedly referred to notes written on her hand
in ink throughout the debate.
"If you're gonna use cheat sheets, man, use 'em right. If she
tried that in my school, she'd have two weeks of detention,' said
Simpson, who specifically criticized Feinstein's sloppy technique
and poor timing in referring to her notes. "You can't check your
notes while everybody's looking or you're gonna get caught.'
Simpson offered Feinstein several other pointers on more
sophisticated brands of cheating, suggesting notes fastened to the
inside of a shirtsleeve, rolled inside of a hollow pen or pencil,
or taped to the inside of a shoe as possible alternatives. Simpson
dismissed the infamous "cough method" as impractical except on
multiple choice tests, but suggested a small radio transmitter and
earpiece as another, less obvious, possibility.
"The best is taping the notes in your shoe, dude," said
Simpson, who also used the opportunity to announce his opposition
to Propositions 128 and 134. "You can take your shoe off and look
down at the notes, and nobody notices."
Simpson also expressed discomfort at Feinstein's refusal to
endorse Proposition 140, the so-called Schabarum initiative that
would limit the number of years a member could serve in the state
legislature. He dismissed arguments that imposing term limits would
be, in the words of the initiative's opponents, "throwing the baby
out with the bathwater.'
"Hey, man, there's nothing wrong with tossing a baby out once
in awhile. I do it all the time," he said, pointing threateningly
to sisters Lisa and Maggie. "When the water's that scummy and the
baby isn't that great a kid, it's not that big a deal."
-30-
(A copy of the pre-debate agreement between the two campaigns has
been attached.)
1903 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, California 91506
(818) 841-5210
- 26
10/2/90
HERB CAEN
*
EX-GOV. Jerry Brown, orating at Fresno
State, sniffed to the enraptured kids: "Crack
cocaine didn't exist before Deukmejian and
Pete Wilson came on the scene. I don't know
whether it was supply-side economics or deregu.
expensive." lation, but when I was governor, cocaine was
THE
COLLIGE H.O.L
ALMANAC
OF
AMERICAN
POLITICS
1990
Micha fancine
Gran
National
CALIFORNIA
69
J. of
1).
CALIFORNIA
Cnty.
71-
In the days after Pearl Harbor, almost 50 years ago, many Americans thought California would
ldg.,
be next. "People stacked sandbags against public buildings to prepare for an aerial attack and
Bluff
glued blackout paper to the windows of their homes in the case of night raids," writes historian
501-
John Patrick Diggins. "In Los Angeles and San Francisco civil defense wardens enforced
curfews and police followed up rumors of spy networks in Japanese neighborhoods, while at
tees:
night cars crept without lights along coastal highways. On bluffs and oceanfront rooftops people
and
vigilantly tried to sight the enemy." Rumors flew: the Japanese fleet was 164 miles from
Monterey, there were 34 Japanese ships between Los Angeles and San Francisco, periscopes
were seen off beaches. A wacky general, John DeWitt, one of those later responsible for forcing
Japanese Americans into internment camps, announced breathlessly that Japanese airplanes
had flown over San Francisco Bay area on the night of December 8, though they unaccountably
didn't drop any bombs.
EI
The fears were mostly baseless. A few balloon-borne bombs landed in an Oregon forest, and
21
later there was some light shelling of the Santa Barbara oil fields. But, as J. Edgar Hoover
8
argued without effect at the time, there was never any evidence of sabotage or disloyalty by
Japanese Americans. Unfortunately, in the hysterical months that followed, demands from the
Army and from California politicians resulted in their internment-a blight on America's
reputation which was assuaged by apology and and redress law of 1988.
This fear and hysteria arose in a part of America that felt disconnected from the rest of the
country. "California is an island," Carey McWilliams wrote in the 1940s, America's lightly
populated outpost on the Pacific, with only 7 million of the country's 131 million people,
thousands of miles across plains, mountains and desert from thickly settled parts of the country
AGN
and separated from Japan only by the open waters of the Pacific. It was an affluent island in the
AGN
AGN
early 1940s, and one unmistakably American in its culture-yet also a bit bizarre. Farming and
FOR
oil, extractive industries, were the basis of a still colonial economy: California imported most of
its finished goods and lived off its natural resources. Its people, leapfrogging the continent, had
come from all over: Yankee stock migrants from the Midwest predominated, southerners
,155)
(except for the Okies of the late 1930s) were relatively few, European immigrants included the
,393)
Italian fishermen of San Francisco's North Beach and refugees and expatriate intellectuals like
Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht in Los Angeles.
,169)
"Sociologically detached from the rest of the country," McWilliams wrote, "California
,134)
functions in its own right, has its own patterns of political behavior, and exists as a kind of
sovereign empire by the westerh shore." Politically, this empire was ancestrally Republican,
ideologically progressive, quickly embracing and quickly discarding nostrums like the End
Poverty in California program that made Upton Sinclair the Democratic nominee for governor
in 1934 (he lost when FDR among others renounced him), and the "$30 Every Thursday"
proposal of a group called Ham and Eggs that got 45% in a 1938 referendum. It voted for
Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and at home for progressive Republicans like Hiram
Johnson and Earl Warren.
It is a long way from that California to the California of today. The change began explosively
in the war, when California became one of the great defense industry states of the nation,
making steel and aluminum for the first time, building ships and airplanes by the thousands.
Millions of Americans came here, and millions stayed; California's economy was expected to
collapse when the big firms shut down after the war; instead, as urbanologist Jane Jacobs points
70
CALIFORNIA
It suggests to me, unexpectedly, t.
CALIFORNIA - Congressional Districts, Counties, and Selected Places - (45 Districts)
1
125°
2
124*
3
123"
4
122"
5
121*
6
120"
T
119"
8
118"
9
117'
10
116*
"
115"
12
114*
13
113"
14
lace, the clockmakers and the an
the Japanese are known for th
A
A
42"
stagehands, plastic molders and 1
47"
DE.
at what they do. There is somethi
LEGEND
MORTE
B
MODOL
B
2 Congressional district number
unsurprise, but it has made Toky
Congressional District boundary
Place of 100 DOC or more innecitants
41*
years ago-the leading trading ci
41"
Place of 50.000 to 100.000 inhabitants
-
Place of 25 000 'C 50 000 innabitants
past-like Johnson's or Dicken:
LASSEN
State capes ungerlined
C
c
Chicago-not the most comforta
2
*
40°
Notes Places of less than 100 000 inhabitants
40"
is choking; and if the Japanese liv
are not shown in Alameds Contra Costa.
1
14
LOS Angeles Orange Sacramento
-
San Mateo and Santa Clare counties
live in stucco houses in tightly-p
D
0
GLENN
-
Places of less than 50.000 inhabitants
that a midwesterner would find
are not shown in San Bernardino
San Diego and Venture countres
COLUMA
PLACE
39"
York, but there is some of the sa
39"
1448
TOLC
DORADO
3
from the great American interic
-
E
E
-
4
Angeles householders have their
REVADA
6
18
38"
30°
California, as it moves into the
(Part)
TUDLUME
MONO
F
apolitical commonwealth. Busy in
F
5,7-13
-
1
-
on that side of the Pacific Rim ta
37"
37*
SAME card
also take for granted the affluen.
Care
-
G
security that comes from the re
G
SEATE
FRESHO
16
15
Japan, so the hawkish American
36"
36°
REVGE
17
enrich sometimes dovish but alw
M
stations run hours of local news
H
-
Sacramento; Michael Dukakis, it
carsed
35"
35"
20
35
possibly the next President of th
19
I
stories on the newscast. Viewers
I
ANGELES
36
all-day traffic jam on the Santa N
-
34"
34°
SANTA
-
"Corene
in touch with herself or a report
37
J
J
Californians, like Japanese, de
LOS ANGELES
-
21-34
-
33'
leaders and a gaggle of factional
33°
38-44
45
their real business largely unn
SCALE
K
K
0
50
100
150
200 Knometers
created a self-sustaining system
0
50
100
150
200 Miles
N
BENCO
32"
from a public which is largely inc
32"
L
of the central cities are over-
L
U.S Department of Commerce
BUREAU OF THE CERSUS
2 124*
3
123"
4
122"
5
121*
6
120*
7
119"
B
118'
@
117"
10
116*
11
115'
12
114*
13
Congressman Phillip Burton, wh
Congressional districts established January 2. 1963 and other boundaries are as of January 1 1980
the state's congressional delega:
See pages 1443-1448 for additional metropolitan area maps.
million in a state Senate race) ai
to, political communication, bec
out, one-eighth of all the new jobs in the nation in the early postwar years were created in greater
lobbyists in Sacramento, and be
Los Angeles. California's growth has had its spurts and pauses, but it was as strong as ever in the
staffers who have the contacts :
1980s. As the decade ends, California is a nation-state of 27 million people (after the 1990
money. And so, unwatched, ui
Census it will account for a larger share of the nation's population than any state has since 1870),
government is run by America
with the highest living standards and highest productivity in the world, an economy as
cynical-politicians. But there i
technically advanced as any that has ever existed, and a gross domestic product that would be
tives and referenda so voters car
the sixth highest in the world if it were a separate nation.
property taxes in 1978's Proposi
And in many ways California resembles that separate nation, of similar geographic size and
1988's Proposition 103. Affected
even greater population in the seismically active interstices between ocean and mountains and
that they overshadow élections f
wasteland, across the Pacific: Japan. Both California and Japan are economically creative,
Senate race in California. But $
productive, affluent, hard-working: for as Jan Morris wisely observed, "somewhere near the
At this point California ceases
heart of the L.A. ethos there lies, unexpectedly, a layer of solid, old-fashioned, plain hard work.
Japan believes in active gover
CALIFORNIA
71
It suggests to me, unexpectedly, the guild spirit of some medieval town, where workers in iron or
lace, the clockmakers and the armorers, competed to give the city the glory of their trades." If
the Japanese are known for their fine workmanship, Californians-backup musicians and
stagehands, plastic molders and toy designers-pride themselves quietly on being the very best
at what they do. There is something bloodless about this competence, an air of nonchalance and
unsurprise, but it has made Tokyo and Los Angeles-neither involved in world commerce 150
years ago-the leading trading cities in the world today. But like the great surging cities of the
past-like Johnson's or Dickens's London, like Balzac's Paris or Dreiser's New York and
Chicago-not the most comfortable. In the metropolitan areas of California, as in Japan, traffic
is choking; and if the Japanese live in flimsy houses and cramped apartments, most Californians
live in stucco houses in tightly-packed subdivisions or garden apartments on tiny plots of land
that a midwesterner would find claustrophobic. California may be more spread out than New
York, but there is some of the same surliness and lack of neighborliness in daily life; migrants
from the great American interior are surprised when nobody says hi. More than 40% of Los
Angeles householders have their phone numbers unlisted.
California, as it moves into the 1990s, also has this in common with Japan: it is a profoundly
apolitical commonwealth. Busy in their work, intense in their pursuit of leisure, people on this as
on that side of the Pacific Rim take government for granted and have no time for politics. They
also take for granted the affluence that seems to flow naturally from the soil and the military
security that comes from the resolve of others (for just as American military power defends
Japan, so the hawkish American South provides the votes for the arms buildups that defend and
enrich sometimes dovish but always defense-industry heavy California). The Los Angeles TV
stations run hours of local newscasts each day, but none has a bureau in the state capital of
Sacramento; Michael Dukakis, in California to campaign for the primary and at the time quite
possibly the next President of the United States, had a hard time making the top four or five
stories on the newscast. Viewers are much more interested in the latest drug triple-slaying, the
all-day traffic jam on the Santa Monica Freeway, a soap opera actress telling how she has gotten
in touch with herself or a reporter speculating on whether Elvis is alive.
Californians, like Japanese, delegate the conduct of their government to a few dull, faceless
leaders and a gaggle of factional politicians who provide services to local constituencies but do
their real business largely unnoticed in remote government buildings. These officials have
created a self-sustaining system in which they routinely receive the renewal of their mandate
from a public which is largely indifferent to what they are doing. In California, the liberal voters
of the central cities are over-represented by the creative redistricting plans of the late
Congressman Phillip Burton, which have given liberal Democrats control of the legislature and
the state's congressional delegation. They are also helped because huge sums of money ($2
million in a state Senate race) are needed to reach voters uninterested in, if not actively hostile
to, political communication, because almost all political money for state elections comes from
in greater
lobbyists in Sacramento, and because most successful candidates for the legislature are former
ever in the
staffers who have the contacts and have made the alliances that are necessary to raise that
the 1990
money. And so, unwatched, unnoticed, little monitored, America's most competent state
ice 1870).
government is run by America's most skillful-but in some cases its most bloodless and
onomy as
cynical-politicians. But there are limits on Sacramento's power. California pioneered initia-
would be
tives and referenda so voters can pass laws the legislature would never dream of: forcing down
property taxes in 1978's Proposition 13, for example, or forcing lower auto insurance rates in
size and
1988's Proposition 103. Affected economic interests spend freely on these issues in such amounts
tains and
that they overshadow elections for public office. More than $20 million was spent on the 1988
creative,
Senate race in California. But $81 million was spent on five insurance ballot propositions.
near the
At this point California ceases to be Japan's doppelganger, and the comparison breaks down.
ard work.
Japan believes in active governmental guidance of investment decisions and of allocating
72
CALIFORNIA
economic growth among existing big corporations, while workers feel great loyalty to the
population.
companies that guarantee them lifetime jobs. California believes, inarticulately, that govern-
This urban center deve
ment should provide an infrastructure for economic growth-freeways, huge water supply
and had to build one) or it
systems, a fine system of higher and (at least at one time, and maybe in the future) public
the 1940s) or its historical
education and a network of agricultural research. But its growth has come largely from small
because people have wai
business units in dozens of industries, with employees moving easily from one job to another, and
somewhat innocent confic
one of the highest rates of self-employment in the country. Japan believes strongly in racial unity
Ronald Reagan in the la
and cultural uniformity. California believes, as much as any place in the world, in racial
spectrum, but as a politic.
tolerance and cultural variety, welcoming immigration and cherishing civil liberties. Finally,
under attack from demonst
Japan sees itself as living in a cold corner of a hostile planet, where it must make a living selling
1970s, they saw their viev
things to people who are distant and different. California, naively and perhaps inaccurately, sees
represented in the ceremor
itself as the sunny center of the world, as the most American state in a world becoming more and
which for the first time wer
more Americanized. Since so much of the world has come to California-check out the ethnic
a 33% profit. Here America
restaurants on Melrose in Los Angeles or Clement in San Francisco-so California has gone out
the blandishments of south
all over the world. Japan assumes that it is hated and California assumes that it is loved; and if
triumph for American valu
the Japanese assumption has the virtue of being more realistic, its pessimism also has the
disadvantage of tending to be self-fulfilling.
War. before Gorbachev and pere
The Japanese have also settled on one strategy of government-keeping the status quo liberal
Just as the Yankees lost th
Democrats in-while Californians, with a nonchalance that comes from the security of being
southern Californians who }
part of a larger nation, experiment with one form of politics after another. This is the state which
Angeles County, increasing
anticipated the conservative trend of two decades by electing Ronald Reagan as governor in
different values. By the 198C
1966, when conventional wisdom had it that only pro-welfare state Republicans could win in
in the world, and the central
large states. It is the state that elected in 1974 as his successor the prototypical baby boomer
Salvadorans and Vietnamese
politician, Jerry Brown-scorner of luxury, environmentalist and campaign finance reformer,
with whole families working 1
skeptical about the efficacy of government spending programs and eager to embrace cultural
to the San Fernando Valley
diversity. And it is the state that elected as his successor George Deukmejian in 1982, a colorless
Asians tend to vote for Demo
and steadfast conservative.
Cambodians are pretty solidl
As voters have become less interested in government, support for and opposition to each of
the show-bizzy part of town W
these figures has become a way of making a cultural statement or striking a cultural pose, and
populations, with large numbe
differences in lifestyles and personal values explain Californians' voting behavior better than
liberals. And California's bla
anything else. This behavior helps to explain, for example, why the affluent San Francisco medis
southwest of downtown L.A
market area produced a 393,000-vote margin for Michael Dukakis, while the equally affluent
American airport known collc
Los Angeles media market produced a 394,000-vote margin for George Bush; why high-income
Beverly Hills and Marin County are heavily Democratic and working-class Norwalk and
the
Los since
Bakersfield vote Republican. As it happens, each of California's best-known recent political
sati:
figures has embodied and represented the cultural values and style of one of the four political
baby boom generation, in an at
when the balance of C
regions of the state which, conveniently, each cast about one-quarter of its votes: Los Angeles
County, the rest of southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, and the rest of the state.
conflict mirrored in Brown's
Personifying southern California is the man who received 63% and 69% of its votes for
President, Ronald Reagan. While Los Angeles fills up with immigrants, blacks and singles, the
winning: de Reagan had been
own father, who had been elect rt
rest of southern California looks more like the Los Angeles of the 1940s: predominantly white,
middle-class, midwestern, although its has more Asians and Hispanics than you might think
facto legalization of mariju unat
Essentially, the old Los Angeles has grown out past the freeways into Orange County and the
east end of the Los Angeles basin and out into the desert, out past the San Fernando Valley into Sap
Ventura County, down south of San Juan Capistrano and Camp Pendleton into northern
Diego County, where it merges with fast-growing San Diego. This is suburbia, but it is also haW
of the nation's second biggest metropolitan agglomeration, with 14 million people, close to early New
York's 17 million and far ahead of Chicago's 8 million. It is not farfetched to suppose that of
in the 21st century Los Angeles will be the center of the nation's largest concentration d
a conservatives the lil
a around allied later California persuade expected, to the "a most were world, and noble and Americans living argued by cause." Brown which in "an that that seem. he Brov era th m
people-the first time in history a nation has ever had its greatest city so far from its center
this view of the world did
CALIFORNIA
73
yalty to the
population.
that govern-
This urban center developed not because of its location (Los Angeles has no natural harbor
water supply
and had to build one) or its natural resources (it used to export oil but has had to import it since
ture) public
the 1940s) or its historical eminence (Los Angeles had 102,000 people in 1900). It is a great city
/ from small
because people have wanted it to be, and southern California reflects the optimism, the
another, and
somewhat innocent confidence, and the know-how of its pioneers. They turned gratefully to
1 racial unity
Ronald Reagan in the late 1960s, not as someone who veered off the American political
Id, in racial
spectrum, but as a politician who articulated traditional American values when they seemed
ties. Finally,
under attack from demonstrators on campuses and rioters in ghettos. Further disillusioned in the
living selling
1970s, they saw their views vindicated in Reagan's presidency. Their spirit was most vividly
curately, sees
represented in the ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics, which Reagan opened in Los Angeles and
ing more and
which for the first time were put on not by a government but by private operators who generated
ut the ethnic
a 33% profit. Here America was triumphant while the Soviet Union dared not let its athletes see
has gone out
the blandishments of southern California, lest they never return: this was not just an artistic
loved; and if
triumph for American values but, in retrospect, the first clear admission by the Soviets, even
also has the
before Gorbachev and perestroika, that they could not compete, that they had lost the Cold
War.
us quo liberal
Just as the Yankees lost their ancient capital of Boston to a majority of Irish Catholics, so the
irity of being
southern Californians who backed Reagan so strongly saw the center of their metropolis, Los
e state which
Angeles County, increasingly become the home of people with different backgrounds and
S governor in
different values. By the 1980s, Los Angeles had become the number one immigrant destination
could win in
in the world, and the central city's population had begun increasing as Mexicans and Koreans,
baby boomer
Salvadorans and Vietnamese began doubling up in refurbished houses in central neighborhoods,
nce reformer,
with whole families working to earn enough to follow so many others out the Hollywood Freeway
race cultural
to the San Fernando Valley or out the Santa Ana Freeway to Orange County. Hispanics and
82, a colorless
Asians tend to vote for Democrats, but not always and not by large margins; the Vietnamese and
Cambodians are pretty solidly Republican. Hollywood and the west side-the generic name for
ion to each of
the show-bizzy part of town west of Fairfax-are the centers of one of the nation's largest Jewish
ural pose, and
populations, with large numbers of singles and gays, as well; these are cultural-not economic-
or better than
liberals. And California's blacks are concentrated around Watts, in neighborhoods south and
ancisco media
southwest of downtown L.A., along the Harbor Freeway and out toward LAX (the only
qually affluent
American airport known colloquially by its three-letter code).
y high-income
Los Angeles County, since the 1970s, has provided the core constituency for the politics of
Norwalk and
Jerry Brown-although to satisfy party rules he moved his residence to San Francisco in order to
ecent political
be elected state Democratic chairman in early 1989. That was 15 years after he was elected
four political
governor, when the balance of electoral power in California seemed to be moving toward the
Los Angeles
baby boom generation, in an atmosphere of cultural conflict between generations and lifestyles,
t of the state.
a conflict mirrored in Brown's rejection of the New Deal politics and cultural conservatism of his
f its votes for
own father, who had been elected governor in 1958 and 1962. And Brown's side seemed to be
nd singles, the
winning: Reagan had been unable to stem the tide of cultural liberation which had produced the
inantly white,
de facto legalization of marijuana, abortion, prostitution and pornography, quite unable to
1 might think.
persuade most Americans that their country's involvement in Vietnam had been, as he would
County and the
later say, "a noble cause." Brown proclaimed that "small is beautiful" and that America and
ido Valley into
California were living in "an era of limits," suggesting that further economic growth was not to
northern San
be expected, and argued that the United States must accommodate itself to rising movements
it it is also half
around the world, by which he meant socialist-minded Third World dictatorships sympathetic or
;, close to New
allied to the Soviets. Brown seemed poised to be the politician of the future, extolling the virtues
pose that early
of high-tech and questioning the verities of both welfare state liberals like Hubert Humphrey
incentration of
and free market conservatives like Ronald Reagan.
m its center of
Yet this view of the world did not pan out very well. One reason is that the cultural conflicts
74
CALIFORNIA
which accounted for much of his support died off; it turned out that there was room enough in
Jimmy Carter and almos
California for everyone to live as he pleased. Mexican-American kids can parade their low-slung
and costing Carter Califc
cars in East L.A., gays can promenade down San Francisco's Castro Street or in the newly
was 5% weaker, in the Bi
incorporated gay-majority West Hollywood, crew cut NCOs can raise large families in Seaside
58%-41% margin. A 58
or near Camp Pendleton, elderly ex-Iowans can stroll to the shopping center in Orange-and
influenced coast, helped
nobody else minds. A second reason is that voters turned against Brown on some cultural issues.
His hesitancy to use pesticides on the 1981 Medfly infestation infuriated many, and his
as a champion of saving
Dukakis's strong showi.
appointee, Chief Justice Rose Bird, who found reasons to overturn every death sentence
Angeles County (52%-47
conviction that came before her, was ousted by a 2 to 1 vote in 1986. A third reason is that
big margin for Bush in the
California's economy-and America's-performed much better than its critics expected. True,
in the interior (54%-44%
the growth was in large part the product of small business units of the sort Brown championed
national percentage, and (
and it also owed much to government-and had since Earl Warren kept taxes high during World
baby boom generation co
War II to pay for the schools and highways he thought California would need after the war. But
growth also produced a yearning for affluence that Brown had little use for, a desire that helps to
unanimous but still signi.
California, and that Cal
explain the success of Proposition 13 in 1978. This undid Brown, for in opposing 13 with the
presidential election since
same arguments as welfare state liberals, he seemed untrue to his own principles and as cynical
caution needs to be added.
as the politicians who rode in the limousines he eschewed. His support collapsed: after winning
59% in California's 1976 Democratic presidential primary, he got only 4% four years later.
The redistributionist polici
trade policies that are the
When he ran for the Senate in 1982, he won only 51% of the primary vote against such giants as
probably vote-losers in Cal
novelist Gore Vidal, a state senator from Orange County, and the mayor of Fresno; he lost the
was strongest, but in 1988 i
general election to the little-known Pete Wilson, then mayor of San Diego, by an unambiguous
52%-45% margin. Brown got himself elected Democratic state chairman in early 1989,
showing the Japanese flag,
shown in his state. Californ
prompted by voter-approved campaign finance laws that make the parties the chief conduits of
on commerce and on cont
political money in state races; but this was an inside maneuver of the sort he scorned in the past,
Pacific Rim. Those who loc
and there was no indication that his popularity with the voters had recovered.
In state politics the key figure for the 1980s, much to everyone's surprise, turned out to be
for a new liberal majority
George Deukmejian, a state senator from Long Beach who was elected attorney general in 1978
other states essential to the
They must remember as
against a black congresswoman opposed to the death penalty and who narrowly defeated Los
Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley for the Senate in 1982. In that race the key votes were cast in
Republican Party has grow
3.4 million in 1978 to 5.4 r
the quarter of the state outside the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco media markets-
Democrats has increased f.
namely the interior valley and mountain regions. This turned out to be California's high-growth
signed-up more than 60% Oi
area, populated by young families who headed from the smoggy outer reaches of the Los
into votes, for in the 1970s a
Angeles basin, with its crime-ridden freeways and drug-infested public schools, for the cleaner
and culturally more traditional climes of the old Mother Lode country in the foothills of the
Republicansa can translate
Sierra, in the growing Sacramento area, and parts of the vast Central Valley. When issues were
body of prim.
economic, and when the Democratic nominee was not identified with the cultural liberalism of
Meanwhile, in this apolit
Hollywood or San Francisco, as in the 1976 presidential race, this non-metropolitan California
years ago and camp:
voted Democratic. But in 1982, against Los Angeles's mayor, and with a gun control referendum
on the ballot that brought out many opponents in rural counties, Deukmejian carried the interior
of California by a 55%-40% margin. (The coastal counties, filling up with liberals leaving the
them to vote even before
mailings to
Bay area and L.A., trended in the other direction and voted 50%-47% for Bradley.)
As for the San Francisco Bay area, it has no better personification than Assembly Speaker
the registration laws, but any R
Willie Brown, a far more vivid political figure and on occasion: a more powerful one in
majority of votes cast on ele
Sacramento than Deukmejian. The Bay area, one of the most affluent parts of the world, is also
margins In among the absentees
politically one of the most liberal-if the liberalism in question is cultural rather than economic
1988 the Dukakis
For years not just San Francisco, but the East Bay and the Peninsula, and even prosaic-looking
precinct to chairmen in the campaig 25,0
suburbs, have attracted those who felt their personal lifestyles were not accepted elsewhere
who relished an atmosphere of revolt-gays and perpetual graduate students, radicals and
Brown. growing big finish A percentage their major quotas-and target of the is to ele re Si
perennial rebels. The Bay area is environmentalist and dovish, but not much interested in income
redistribution or helping the poor. So in 1976, the Bay area had little use for Southern Baptist
new states, since the
to the area and targets may be ar 1
CALIFORNIA
75
enough in
Jimmy Carter and almost preferred Betty Ford's husband, voting only 50%-46% Democratic-
low-slung
and costing Carter California's electoral votes. In 1988, while nationally the Democratic ticket
he newly
was 5% weaker, in the Bay area it was far stronger, as Michael Dukakis led George Bush by a
n Seaside
58%-41% margin. A 58%-40% Bay area margin, plus an edge in the increasingly Bay-
ige--and
influenced coast, helped save Senator Alan Cranston's seat in 1986, as he campaigned primarily
al issues.
as a champion of saving California's environment.
and his
Dukakis's strong showing in the Bay area and the coast (50%-48%), and his carrying of Los
sentence
Angeles County (52%-47%), were almost enough to enable him to carry California, despite the
on is that
big margin for Bush in the south outside L.A. County (63%-36%) and the smaller Bush margin
ed. True,
in the interior (54%-44%). Overall, Bush carried California by only 51%-48%, less than his
impioned
national percentage, and one of his weaker showings in a big state. This is evidence that, as the
ng World
baby boom generation continues to mature, and as Hispanics and Asians produce less-than-
war. But
unanimous but still significant Democratic margins, national Democrats can hope to carry
t helps to
California, and that California, despite the fact that it has voted Republican in every
with the
presidential election since 1964 could be part of a Democratic electoral college majority. But a
.s cynical
caution needs to be added. The liberalism that appeals to California is cultural, not economic.
winning
The redistributionist policies that may appeal to farmers in Iowa or blacks in Michigan and the
ars later.
trade policies that are thought to appeal to factory workers in Pennsylvania and Ohio are
giants as
probably vote-losers in California. In the 1940s it was in California where anti-Japanese feeling
e lost the
was strongest, but in 1988 it was the Ohio Dukakis coordinator who produced a TV spot on trade
nbiguous
showing the Japanese flag, while the California Dukakis coordinator made darn sure it was not
ly 1989,
shown in his state. Californians, however liberal, are aware that their affluence depends heavily
nduits of
on commerce and on continued trade with those other nation-states on the other side of the
the past,
Pacific Rim. Those who look hopefully and with some reason to California as a building block
for a new liberal majority must reckon with the differences between its liberalism and that of
out to be
other states essential to their strategy.
1 in 1978
They must remember as well that in the 1980s, as the post-baby boom voters come of age, the
ated Los
Republican Party has grown stronger. The number of registered Republicans has grown from
e cast in
3.4 million in 1978 to 5.4 million in 1988, while in the same period the number of registered
arkets-
Democrats has increased from 5.7 million to 7.0 million; in other words, Republicans have
n-growth
signed-up more than 60% of net new registrants. Those numbers don't automatically translate
the Los
into votes, for in the 1970s a lot of registered Democrats had voted Republican already for major
: cleaner
office; but they can translate into greater strength in down-the-line contests, and they give the
Is of the
Republicans a body of primary voters that comes closer to representing the broader electorate.
ues were
Meanwhile, in this apolitical commonwealth, where political machines were outlawed 75
alism of
years ago and media campaigning started 35 years ago, both political parties are trying to
alifornia
reinvent organizational politics, in different ways. The Republicans are relying on money,
crendum
technology and management techniques to get out their vote, using phone banks to identify their
: interior
potential voters, mailings to communicate with them, and absentee ballot applications to get
ving the
them to vote even before anyone goes to the polls. Ironically, it was Democrats who liberalized
the registration laws, but Republicans who took advantage of them: Thomas Bradley got a
Speaker
majority of votes cast on election day 1982, but George Deukmejian won because of his big
one in
margins among the absentees. The Democrats' strategy is to reinvent the precinct organization.
1, is also
In 1988 the Dukakis campaign and the state Democratic Party hired 500 organizers to recruit
conomic.
precinct chairmen in the 25,000 precincts-they even had ceremonies where they took an oath
-looking
to finish their quotas-and such efforts are being promised by the new state chairman Jerry
where or
Brown. A major target is to register blacks and the Hispanics and Asians who are bound to be a
cals and
growing percentage of the electorate; such efforts are likely to be more successful than in other
income
big states, since the targets are not those who have failed to vote in the past but those who are
Baptist
new to the area and may be ready to participate. The Democrats' organizational efforts were
76
CALIFORNIA
probably worth a couple of points in 1988. In a state with some excruciatingly close races,
Ronald Reagan ever got in Calit
Cranston was reelected in 1986 and Deukmejian won his first term as governor in 1982 by 49%-
ceremony; he is not close to othe
48% margins. Politicians from both parties have an incentive to innovate and organize where
attorney general and 16 years in
they have not before.
staff and, mostly, to his principle
A case can be made that California's decline in political interest is a sign of health. Hostilities
sticking to his promise of no new
between different cultural groups produced a politics of enthusiasm and nomination victories for
post-tax reform shortfall, he prop
ideological candidates like Barry Goldwater in 1964 and George McGovern in 1972, neither of
Critics charged that the state wa
whom would have been nominated if they had not won California's then winner-take-all
for it with a weaker economy and
presidential primary; as those hostilities have declined, California primaries have produced
become the gold at the end of th
more moderate winners, like Pete Wilson and Ed Zschau, and general elections have produced
Deukmejian also made some m
divided government, in which Deukmejian is checked by Speaker Willie Brown, while Bradley is
state worker health and safety pr
balanced by a conservative Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Republican
into a close state Senate race and
Presidents by a supertalented Democratic congressional delegation. The result is a government
unsuccessful in getting Congressi
fiscally restrained and culturally tolerant, but ready at the same time to pump more money into
late Jesse Unruh. Lungren was blc
education and to insist on stricter standards for students, sterner restrictions on drug use, and
compensation to victims of the J.
tougher penalties for crime. California, as it approaches the 1990s, after all, is a story of success
become a power in the investme
and not of failure. Its supple and strong economy, its capacity and willingness to welcome
California's pension billions. Prot
newcomers and help them rise, its tolerance of eccentricity but insistence on standards, are all in
defeat of Rose Bird and two other
the best of American traditions. They show what many Americans in the 1960s and 1970s
new appointments that would make
forgot, that America works; and if Californians are less interested in politics and less inclined to
1940, for the first time a bastion of
call on government than they were in more troubled times, that is perhaps not cause for despair.
prisoners in California, in line with
Presidential politics. For most of the 1980s California did not seem to count much in
These setbacks did not hurt De
presidential politics. Its primary, coming at the end of the season, was pivotal in 1964 and 1972.
could have been reelected in 1990
Since then it has produced such winners as Jerry Brown, Edward Kennedy and Gary Hart for
gnashing of teeth among Republica
the Democrats, and has been won without serious contest by Ronald Reagan three times. Its
and, with control of the legislature,
1988 winners were Michael Dukakis and George Bush-after they had already clinched their
the 1970s and 1980s. For that reas
nominations. It's possible that California could play a critical role in 1992, but unlikely unless it
leaders, who were afraid that a littl
is rescheduled. Otherwise, it's likely to result in the renomination of George Bush and the
rules to compete.
ratification of whoever has emerged as the leading Democratic opponent of Jesse Jackson-if he
The one Democrat clearly in the
decides to run again for President.
In the general election, California may be more pivotal-and could easily have been in 1988 if
likely to run is former (1978-87) Sa
Controller Gray Davis, a former top
general holds an office that is easily
the national race had gone a little differently. The fact that California ended up Republican by
small margins in the close elections of 1960, 1968 and 1976, and that it gave Ronald Reagan two
are rather colorless politicians-wh
easy victories in 1980 (53%-36%) and 1984 (58%-41%) led many to chalk it up as straight it
Reagan and Jerry Brown left Saci
Republican. But its liberal trend on cultural issues made it competitive in 1988 and, though
governor, and the jockeying for oth
finally went for George Bush, may already have had its effect on public policy. Republican
Kamp will not be running for reelecti
national chairman and Bush campaign manager Lee Atwater noticed the trend in California of
may get a primary opponent, and the
during the primary season, and the even stronger trend in Oregon and Washington, both 8
could attract multiple entrants. Trea
which Dukakis ultimately carried, and it may have contributed to George Bush's calling for
"kinder, gentler" nation. Certainly the Bush Republicans are not conceding the black, Hispanic,
Brown's sister Kathleen. These B
sister of conservative columnist, Pat
opposed in the primary by Angela (B
Asian and baby boom voters who are the Democrats' hopes for carrying California.
The 1988 election had one additional result worth noting. Despite the carping of West Coast
politicians about the network projections of the election winner, California has usually produced il
a higher than average percentage for the loser of the presidential election, and it did so again
1988. It's possible that Dukakis won a plurality among West Coast voters who went to the polls
on election day, and that Bush's narrow margin was due entirely to absentees.
Governor. At the beginning of the 1980s, few would have picked George Deukmejian as the the
hoping lo overturn his legislators were political ropes, likely One to and who be his will some prominence by not prepared turnover a the be man Democrats' leaving whose to in in run Jesse the Sacram office. state again capi 44- Ja
decade man was ending there he was, in place and on top. His first victory over Tom Bradley in 1981 that
who would stand astride California state government for most of the decade; but as
office to 47-33, eliminating and the Brown who wa-
was by the narrowest of margins; his second in 1986 was won with a higher percentage
space together in the leverage same of br.
CALIFORNIA
77
ose races,
Ronald Reagan ever got in California. Deukmejian is orderly and aloof, a believer in pomp and
! by 49%-
ceremony; he is not close to other officials, not even Republicans though he spent four years as
ize where
attorney general and 16 years in the legislature in Sacramento. He sticks closely to a tight-knit
staff and, mostly, to his principles. His first term was marked by his stubbornness and success in
Hostilities
sticking to his promise of no new taxes; in his second term, when the state was facing a $1 billion
ctories for
post-tax reform shortfall, he proposed a tax increase in 1988 and then had to back away from it.
neither of
Critics charged that the state was neglecting education, highways and research, and would pay
er-take-all
for it with a weaker economy and slower growth in the 1990s. Deukmejian replies that "we have
produced
become the gold at the end of the rainbow."
produced
Deukmejian also made some mistakes. He angered many by abolishing without any notice the
Bradley is
state worker health and safety program; organized labor retaliated by pumping crucial money
epublican
into a close state Senate race and putting the issue on the 1988 ballot and winning. And he was
overnment
unsuccessful in getting Congressman Dan Lungren confirmed as state treasurer to replace the
noney into
late Jesse Unruh. Lungren was blocked in the state Senate, largely because he opposed monetary
30 use, and
compensation to victims of the Japanese American internment in World War II. Unruh had
of success
become a power in the investment world by keeping careful control over the investment of
welcome
California's pension billions. Probably one of Deukmejian's more notable successes was the
are all in
defeat of Rose Bird and two other Supreme Court justices in the 1986 election, which gave him
and 1970s
new appointments that would make the California Supreme Court, dominated by liberals since
nclined to
1940, for the first time a bastion of judicial conservatism. And he was proud that the number of
or despair.
prisoners in California, in line with national trends, nearly doubled since he came to office.
much in
These setbacks did not hurt Deukmejian much with the voters, however, and he probably
and 1972.
could have been reelected in 1990. But he chose to retire instead. This caused considerable
y Hart for
gnashing of teeth among Republicans, who fear that the Democrats will regain the governorship
times. Its
and, with control of the legislature, will control redistricting for the 1990s as Phil Burton did for
ched their
the 1970s and 1980s. For that reason Senator Pete Wilson was trotted forward by Republican
y unless it
leaders, who were afraid that a little-known candidate couldn't raise the money under the new
h and the
rules to compete.
son-if he
The one Democrat clearly in the race in early 1989 was John Van de Kamp, who as attorney
general holds an office that is easily portrayed as divorced from politics; a possible contender is
in 1988 if
Controller Gray Davis, a former top aide to Brown; a hit more colorful and considerably more
ublican by
likely to run is former (1978-87) San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. All except Feinstein
leagan two
are rather colorless politicians-which seems to be what California has wanted since Ronald
as straight
Reagan and Jerry Brown left Sacramento. Leo McCarthy is running again for lieutenant
though it
governor, and the jockeying for other California statewide offices chould be fierce: Van de
Republican
Kamp will not be running for reelection as attorney general, Secretary of State March Fong Eu
California
may get a primary opponent, and the new insurance commissioner post set up by Proposition 13
n, both of
could attract multiple entrants. Treasurer Thomas Hayes is a civil servant type who may be
alling for a
opposed in the primary by Angela (Bay) Buchanan, former Treasurer of the United States and
Hispanic,
sister of conservative columnist, Pat Buchanan. If he were to win that election he may face Jerry
Brown's sister Kathleen. These offices may attract some of the state legislators and so there is
Vest Coast
likely to be some turnover in the capital.
produced
One who will not be leaving Sacramento, it seems, is Willie Brown. In 1988 he seemed on the
so again in
ropes, and his prominence in Jesse Jackson's campaign seemed an attempt to make a national
o the polls
political career by a man whose state career seemed in decline. A "Gang of Five" Democratic
legislators were prepared to run against him, and Assembly Minority Leader Pat Nolan was
jian as the
hoping to overturn the Democrats' 44-36 majority. But after the election it was Nolan who lost
but as the
his leadership post and Brown who was stronger than ever. The Democrats increased their lead
ey in 1982
to 47-33, eliminating the leverage of the Gang of Five (who, one might guess, were assigned
ntage than
office space together in the same broom closet), and reducing downward toward zero the
78
CALIFORNIA
Republicans' chances of gaining control of the Assembly in 1990. The Democrats also have a
drinking problem to ch:
strong position (24-15) in the state Senate.
now beleaguered savin,
Senators. The Senate majority whip, the winner of the second highest number of popular votes
not so much the strong.
in Senate history, is Alan Cranston of California. After nearly 40 years in California politics, he
limited talents; and wh
is clearly a survivor. But he is not quite the power these facts suggest. His most recent victory, in
became Democratic wh
1986, was actually the biggest upset in the 1986 elections and the product of one of the
Since his 1984 camp:
shrewdest campaigns of recent times. After his humiliating 1984 presidential campaign, he had
the road in 1983 and 1'
looked like a goner. He had won nothing more than a victory in a 1983 Wisconsin straw poll-
after the state's econom
and a $2 million debt. He was 72 on election day 1986 and he looked gaunt and haggard, though
1986 he was preoccupie
he has always been in excellent physical shape, and made himself ridiculous by dying his hair a
the Senate, Majority L
shade of orange. His views on issues seemed out of line with California: his longtime support of
counter. In 1989, new
disarmament seemed irrelevant when the contrary policies of Ronald Reagan seemed to be
South Dakota's Tom D
bringing peace, and his longtime support of generous government spending at home seemed
younger Democrats, wh
foolish to young affluent voters who believe that markets and entrepreneurs, not governments
beat back opposition fre
and regulators, produce economic growth. And finally, the Republicans nominated the strongest
as chairman of the Vete
possible candidate to oppose him, Silicon Valley Representative Ed Zschau, a successful
In California, Cranst
entrepreneur himself, well-financed, tolerant on cultural issues, assertive on foreign policy and
Democratic organization
market-oriented on economics.
when he turns 78. Crans
But Cranston was not daunted. In 1984 he set about methodically raising money, phone call
into his seventies) and di
by phone call; he eradicated his debt (while Gary Hart and John Glenn, with much better
things as he once was, he
political prospects, could not eradicate theirs) and by 1986 raised another $10 million or so
than one tenant in the p
besides. He criss-crossed California's small towns in 1985 and remained on the campaign trail-
sense.
which these days means in TV studios and raising money personally on the phone and at
The man who has won
parties-in 1986. The day after the Republican primary, he had ads on the air attacking Zschau
States Congress, could W
for flip-flopping on issues, and kept a running attack on him through November. At the same
not be recognized. He is
time, he used Ansel Adams photographs to identify himself with all the best things in California,
accomplishments. Pete V
and at the last minute sent out 250,000 letters to coastal households on environmental issues.
the Marines and went to
Zschau, a business school graduate who approached campaigning as a management exercise,
was elected assemblym:
eventually counterattacked by calling Cranston a liberal and an opponent of the death penalty
Republican and an enviro
and tough drug laws. But he never got the footing to get across his own positive message, and
supported Gerald Ford o
Cranston succeeded early in establishing a negative tone. In that environment, turnout was low
up his name with Reagan
(8% below 1982), and neither candidate got a majority. But Cranston won 50%-47%.
Republican gubernatoria
.Cranston started off in public life in the 1930s; as a young journalist he published an
handicap of being well kr
unexpurgated version of Hitler's Mein Kampf, and in the years after World War II he was a
state's voters, he ran in a
founder of the California Democratic Council, the leading liberal political force in the state. He
the vote, as Pete McClos}
was elected state controller in 1958 and 1962 and U.S. Senator in 1968, an office to which he has
Jr. fizzled, and Robert Dc
been reelected three times. His career has had its ups and downs: he was defeated for controller
seriously. Wilson was the
in the 1966 Reagan gubernatorial landslide, and he won the Senate seat only when the moderate
52%-45%. Six years later.
incumbent, Thomas Kuchel, was defeated in the primary by right-winger Max Rafferty who,
neighborhood of San Fran.
despite the revelation that he sat out World War II with an alleged injury and then threw away
years between his first and
his crutches on VJ Day, held Cranston to 52%.
Cranston is part dreamy idealist, part shrewd political operator. He got into politics in the
been reelected to it since
to 5.1 million. In the proce:
1940s as an advocate of world government and remains more interested in arms control than any
How did he do it? His V
other issue. He favors some form of national service, not necessarily military, for young people.
with dissents on issues like
But he is also an operator. For 15 years his California colleagues in the Senate were men with
rather abstract interests or limited attention spans, and so California constituencies-farmers,
Committee and on the flo
been sup
aerospace companies, banks and savings and loans, labor unions, the entertainment industry, the
he was
new Silicon Valley industries-went to Cranston when they needed help in the Senate. Cranston
and one the
delivered. When Lockheed needed a federal loan guarantee to stay in business, Cranston
constitutional amendment.
pajamas while recovering
produced the critical vote on the floor by persuading a colleague who later admitted to 8
CALIFORNIA
79
e a
drinking problem to change his mind. On the Banking Committee for years he looked out for the
now beleaguered savings and loans. He also became known as a good vote-counter, cultivating
tes
not so much the strongest, best-known Senators as those who are obscure and in some cases of
he
limited talents; and when Robert Byrd moved up to the majority leadership in 1977, Cranston
, in
became Democratic whip.
the
Since his 1984 campaign, his career has been in something of an eclipse. While he was out on
had
the road in 1983 and 1984, he had for the first time a colleague, Pete Wilson, who also looked
II-
after the state's economic interests. No longer was Cranston indispensable. In much of 1985 and
ugh
1986 he was preoccupied with his campaign. In 1987, when the Democrats regained control of
ir a
the Senate, Majority Leader Robert Byrd gave him a cold shoulder; he liked to be his own vote
t of
counter. In 1989, new Majority Leader George Mitchell seems to be using as his lieutenant
be
South Dakota's Tom Daschle, who is a contemporary and campaign helper to many of the
ned
younger Democrats, while most of the men Cranston started off with are gone. Cranston easily
ents
beat back opposition from Wendell Ford for the whip post, and he has work that he cares about
gest
as chairman of the Veterans Committee.
ssful
In California, Cranston has worked hard on registering voters and developing a new
and
Democratic organization with appeal to Hispanics and Asians. Many assume he will quit in 1992
when he turns 78. Cranston says he is running; he is a physical fitness buff (a champion sprinter
call
into his seventies) and does not seem disposed to retire. If he is not as much at the center of
etter
things as he once was, he retains both his idealistic goals and his insider's skills, and there is more
or so
than one tenant in the political graveyard who underestimated his determination and political
il-
sense.
d at
The man who has won more votes in a single election than anyone in the history of the United
chau
States Congress, could walk down just about any street in Washington or in his home state and
same
not be recognized. He is nonetheless a politician of considerable competence and impressive
rnia,
accomplishments. Pete Wilson grew up in an affluent part of St. Louis, went to Yale, then joined
sues.
the Marines and went to law school at Boalt Hall in Berkeley; he moved to San Diego, where he
rcise,
was elected assemblyman in 1966 and mayor in 1971. His reputation was as a moderate
nalty
Republican and an environmentalist, interested in nuts-and-bolts state and local government; he
and
supported Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan in the 1976 presidential primary (better not bring
S low
up his name with Reagan even now), opposed Proposition 13 in 1978, and finished fourth in the
Republican gubernatorial primary that year, with 9% of the vote. In 1982, still with the
d an
handicap of being well known only in the San Diego media market, which has only 8% of the
was a
state's voters, he ran in a 13-candidate primary field for Senator, and finished first, with 38% of
e. He
the vote, as Pete McCloskey was unable to expand beyond his Bay area base, Barry Goldwater
le has
Jr. fizzled, and Robert Dornan and Maureen Reagan never got well enough known to be taken
roller
seriously. Wilson was then the beneficiary of the unpopularity of Jerry Brown, and beat him
lerate
52%-45%. Six years later, he beat Leo McCarthy, who grew up in the same St. Francis Wood
who,
neighborhood of San Francisco as Brown, by the almost identical margin of 53%-44%. In the 10
away
years between his first and his latest statewide race, Wilson increased his vote total from 230,000
to 5.1 million. In the process, he also broke the jinx that has clung to the seat he holds: no one had
in the
been reelected to it since 1952.
in any
How did he do it? His voting record, despite his un-Reaganish past, was mostly pro-Reagan,
eople.
with dissents on issues like offshore drilling, clean air and highways. On military issues, he has
1 with
been an enthusiastic supporter of the Reagan defense buildup on the Armed Services
mers,
Committee and on the floor-which evidently doesn't hurt in California, with its big defense
ry, the
industries-and he was one of those ready to move the military into the fight against drugs. He is
an SDI enthusiast and the leading opponent of the Midgetman. In 1985, he showed up in
anston
pajamas while recovering from surgery to cast a decisive vote for the balanced budget
d to 8
constitutional amendment. He has worked for research on Alzheimer's disease and AIDS, and
80
CALIFORNIA
wants government to do more about transportation and child care. George Will called him "a
turned down by the voters i
rarity: a conservative who understands the discriminating, but vigorous use of government for
The Burton plan is not quite
conservative purposes."
will tend to understate Repu
He has spent much time working for California interests and on California issues. On the
cast in a few high-income, hig
Agriculture Committee he looks out for California's huge food industry and tries to increase its
in the legislature in the 1980
exports. He was the lead advocate of amendments to the immigration bill allowing in more
lines.
guestworkers for California growers; he took on the chief sponsor of the immigration bill, Alan
In any case, Burton died it
Simpson, and won. With less success he tried in 1984 to increase tuna tariffs (the U.S. tuna fleet
The census is expected to gi
is based in San Diego). He worked with Cranston and against some Republicans on the
delegation in history. At leas
California wilderness bill, but broke with him over the Mojave Desert wilderness area; he was
draws the lines: there are no
one of the leaders against offshore oil drilling off California's coast. Wilson was the chief Senate
the key is the governor's race
sponsor of the "wine equity act." He also maintained careful ties with California's entertainment
redistricting, subject only to a
industry, pushing bills to keep the TV networks from sharing syndication profits, to stop foreign
be pressure for a compromise.
pirating of films and videocassettes, and to get favorable transition rules for studios in the 1986
safe seats for most if not quite
tax reform. And he has been a staunch supporter of Israel.
well-placed and powerful Hou.
To all these issues Wilson has brought a strong intellect, a willingness to work hard and master
This is rather remarkable beca
details, and a steely and not terribly pleasant competitiveness. He brought those qualities to
three time zones to California
campaigning as well. With clockwork precision, he raised a record amount of money, calling in
many of the chits he had accumulated, particularly among Los Angeles's usually Democratic
The People: Est. Pop. 1988: 28,1
west side fundraisers. And he spent his money effectively. His opponent was Leo McCarthy, a
11.19% of U.S. total, 1st largest.
similarly quiet but also competent officeholder, a former Assembly speaker and now lieutenant
level. Single ancestry: 8% English
governor, who in California's apolitical environment was scarcely known in any substantive way
Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Scottish,
to the voters. McCarthy made some mistakes in the spring: he attended a fundraiser at which
married couples; 44.1% housing ur
anti-nuclear activist Helen Caldicott called Reagan a lunatic and compared Gorbachev to Jesus
Voting age pop. (1980): 17,278,9
Christ (statements which McCarthy did not immediately renounce); he was reluctant to release
Indian. Registered voters (1988)
his income tax returns; he was not endorsed by Dianne Feinstein because he opposed
unaffiliated and minor parties (11'
homeporting the battleship Missouri in San Francisco; he was hurt by his opposition to capital
1988 Share of Federal Tax Burden
punishment and 1986 support of Rose Bird; be was attacked by Wilson for a vote against aid to
the elderly in the legislature. Wilson, meanwhile, was running ads saying he didn't send out
newsletters but gave the money for research on Alzheimer's disease. In November, Wilson ran
1988 Share of Federal Expenditure
slightly better in Los Angeles and the South than he had against Brown, while McCarthy did
Total Expend
better than Brown in the Bay area and the Coast. But the overall result was similar, and one
St/Lcl Grants
$102,366m
If Wilson is elected governor, he will get to pick the next Senator himself. But Wilson's
Pymnts Salary/Wages to Indiv
11,676m
Wilson would surely settle for if he runs for governor.
16,380m
successor will serve only two years and so will come up for reelection, to a two-year term, in 1992.
Procurement
41,941m
Alan Cranston's term expires then too, and so it is possible that California will have two Senate
Research/Other
29,457m
2,913m
races, one with an incumbent with less than two years' service, the other, either with no
incumbent or with one who will be 78 years old. The incentive for ambitious politicians to run
Gray Davis (D). State Senate, 40 (.
March Fong Eu (D); Atty. Gen., Jo'
Political Lineup: Governor, George
must be overwhelming, and the potential total cost of those campaigns must be frightening
perhaps as much as the insurance industry spent in this apolitical commonwealth on the
Senators, Alan Cranston (D) and Pet
referenda of 1988.
Congressional districting. California's House delegation of 45 is the largest since New York 10
had that many districts in the 1940s; it is lopsidedly (27-18) Democratic. That is attributed and
1988 Presidential Vote
the redistricting plans drawn up by the late San Francisco Representative Phillip Burton
Bush (R)
Michael Berman, an aide to Representative Henry Waxman and brother of former Assembly an
Dukakis (D).
5,054.
alliance with Hispanic legislators failed when Burton figured out how to draw one more Hispanic the
majority leader and now U.S. Representative Howard Berman. Republican efforts to forge
Democrakismocratic Presidential Primary 4,702.
district than the Republican computers did. The Republicans turned to referenda and won at the
Jackson
1,910,
Gore.
1,102,'
polls in 1982, only to have Burton draw another plan before Jerry Brown left office, and was
Simon
56,
Republican's efforts to create a commission of retired judges to draw the district lines
43.
CALIFORNIA
81
m "a
turned down by the voters in 1984; the final court challenge wasn't dismissed until early 1989.
it for
The Burton plan is not quite as unfair as the Republicans claim, however. Any districting plan
will tend to understate Republicans' popular vote strength, because so many of their votes are
n the
cast in a few high-income, high-turnout areas. And the Republicans' failure to capture majorities
se its
in the legislature in the 1980s is due more to their candidates' weaknesses than to the district
more
lines.
Alan
In any case, Burton died in 1983, and by 1989 the focus was on what will happen after 1990.
1 fleet
The census is expected to give California five or six new seats, to make it the largest state
n the
delegation in history. At least two, in southern California, will be Republican no matter who
e was
draws the lines: there are no Democratic precincts in this rapidly growing territory. Otherwise,
Senate
the key is the governor's race in 1990. If the Democrats win, they will probably totally control
nment
redistricting, subject only to a court case. If Pete Wilson or another Republican wins, there will
oreign
be pressure for a compromise. There is, at this point, a good government argument for drawing
: 1986
safe seats for most if not quite all of California's incumbents, since the state has many talented,
well-placed and powerful House members, most of them Democrats but some Republicans too.
master
This is rather remarkable because it is hard to be a good legislator if you must fly five hours over
ties to
three time zones to California on weekends and then take the redeye back to Washington.
ling in
ocratic
The People: Est. Pop. 1988: 28,168,000; Pop. 1980: 23,667,902, up 19% 1980-88 and 18.5% 1970-80;
rthy, a
11.19% of U.S. total, 1st largest. 23% with 1-3 yrs. col., 20% with 4+ yrs. col.; 11.4% below poverty
itenant
level. Single ancestry: 8% English, 5% German, 3% Irish, 2% Italian, 1% French, Russian, Portuguese,
Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Scottish, Norwegian. Households (1980): 69% family, 37% with children, 55%
ve way
which
married couples; 44.1% housing units rented; median monthly rent: $253; median house value: $84,700.
Voting age pop. (1980): 17,278,944; 16% Spanish origin, 7% Black, 5% Asian origin, 1% American
o Jesus
Indian. Registered voters (1988): 14,004,873; 7,052,368 D (50%); 5,406,127 R (39%); 1,546,378
release
unaffiliated and minor parties (11%).
pposed
capital
1988 Share of Federal Tax Burden: $113,203,000,000; 12.80% of U.S. total, largest.
st aid to
end out
1988 Share of Federal Expenditures
Ison ran
Total
Non-Defense
Defense
rthy did
Total Expend
$102,366m
(11.58%)
$66,020m
(10.07%)
$42,398m
(18.56%)
and one
St/Lcl Grants
11,676m
(10.19%)
11,674m
(10.20%)
2m
(2.16%)
Salary/Wages
16,380m
(12.20%)
6,240m
(9.31%)
10,140m
(9.31%)
Wilson's
Pymnts to Indiv
41,941m
(10.25%)
39,199m
(10.04%)
2,741m
(14.71%)
in 1992.
Procurement
29,457m
(15.61%)
6,052m
(13.02%)
29,457m
(15.61%)
) Senate
Research/Other
2,913m
(7.80%)
2,855m
(7.70%)
58m
(7.70%)
with no
is to run
Political Lineup: Governor, George Deukmejian (R); Lt. Gov., Leo T. McCarthy (D); Secy. of State,
tening-
March Fong Eu (D); Atty. Gen., John Van de Kamp (D); Treasurer, Thomas Hayes (R); Controller,
1 on the
Gray Davis (D). State Senate, 40 (24 D and 15 R and 1 1); State Assembly, 80 (47 D and 33 R).
Senators, Alan Cranston (D) and Pete Wilson (R). Representatives, 45 (27 D and 18 R).
lew York
1988 Presidential Vote
1984 Presidential Vote
ibuted to
irton and
Bush (R)
5,054,917 (51%)
Reagan (R)
5,467,009 (58%)
Assembly
Dukakis (D)
4,702,233 (48%)
Mondale (D)
3,922,519 (41%)
forge an
Hispanic
Dukakis 1988 Democratic Presidential Primary
1988 Republican Presidential Primary
1,910,808
(61%)
Bush
1,856,273
(83%)
von at the
Jackson
1,102,093
(35%)
Dole
289,220 (14%)
and the
Gore.
56,645
(2%)
Robertson
94,779
(4%)
lines was
Simon
43,771
(1%)
CALIFORNIA
83
Key Votes
1) Cut Aged Housing $
AGN
5) Bork Nomination
AGN
9) SDI Funding
AGN
2) Override Hwy Veto
FOR
6) Ban Plastic Guns
AGN
10) Ban Chem Weaps
AGN
3) Kill Plnt Clsng Notice AGN
7) Deny Abortions
AGN
11) Aid To Contras
AGN
8, Menands,
4) Min Wage Increase
FOR
8) Japanese Reparations
FOR
12) Reagan Defense $
AGN
ohns U., J.D.
Election Results
ly, 1953-55;
CA Senate,
1986 general
Alan Cranston (D)
3,646,672
(50%)
($11,037,707)
Ed Zschau (R)
3,541,804
(47%)
($11,781,316)
1986 primary
Alan Cranston (D)
1,807,244
(81%)
-445-2841.
Charles Greene (D)
165,594
(7%)
John Hancock Abbott (D)
124,218
(6%)
Two others (D)
142,193
(6%)
,601 (61%)
1980 general
Alan Cranston (D)
4,705,399
(57%)
($2,823,462)
714 (37%)
Paul Gann (R)
3,093,426
(37%)
($1,705,523)
,290 (94%)
126
(6%)
014 (49%)
669 (48%)
Sen. Pete Wilson (R)
Elected 1982, seat up 1994; b. Aug. 23, 1933, Lake Forest, IL;
home, San Diego; Yale U., B.A. 1955, U. of CA at Berkeley, J.D.
1962; Protestant; married (Gayle).
Career: USMC, 1955-58; Practicing atty., 1963-66; CA Assem-
bly, 1966-71, Minor. Whip, 1967-69; Mayor of San Diego, 1971-
to; home, Los
83.
, B.A. 1936;
Offices: 720 HSOB 20510, 202-224-3841. Also 2040 Ferry Bldg.,
San Francisco 94102, 415-556-4307; 11111 Santa Monica Blvd.,
936-38; Lob-
#915, Los Angeles 90025, 213-209-6765; Fed. Bldg., 1130 o St.,
Army, WWII;
Rm. 4015, Fresno 93721, 209-487-5727; and 401 B St., Ste. 2209,
1 Federalists,
San Diego 92660, 619-557-5257.
Committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (8th of 9 R).
0 Market St.,
Subcommittees: Agricultural Production and Stabilization of
, W. Century
Prices; Agricultural Research and General Legislation (Ranking
380 Front St.,
Member); Domestic and Foreign Marketing and Production Pro-
motion. Armed Services (3rd of 9 R). Subcommittees: Conventional Forces and Alliance Defense
(2d of 12 D).
(Ranking Member); Manpower and Personnel; Strategic Forces and Nuclear Defense. Governmental
Affairs (6th of 6 R). Subcommittees: Investigations; Federal Services, Post Office and Civil Service;
man); Securi-
Oversight of Government Management. Special Committee on Aging (5th of 9 R). Joint Economic
tees: African
Committee. Subcommittees: Economic Goals and Intergovernmental Policy; Education and Health;
an); Western
National Security and Economics.
Committee on
Group Ratings
ADA
ACLU
COPE
CFA
LCV
ACU
NTLC
NSI
COC
CEI
C
CEI
1988
15
46
15
42
70
75
67
100
77
53
9
20
1987
30
-
13
42
-
75
-
-
87
62
13
21
National Journal Ratings
1988 LIB- 1988 CONS
1987 LIB - 1987 CONS
Economic
30%
-
69%
29%
-
70%
Social
54%
-
45%
50%
-
49%
Foreign
13%
-
84%
0%
-
76%
-
84
CALIFORNIA
Key Votes
been gaining); in the 1970s he me
1) Cut Aged Housing $
FOR
5) Bork Nomination
FOR
9) SDI Funding
FOR
ran for Congress and lost, and wa
2) Override Hwy Veto
FOR
6) Ban Plastic Guns
-
10) Ban Chem Weaps
FOR
just as the 1st District was mc
3) Kill Plnt Clsng Notice
FOR
7) Deny Abortions
FOR
11) Aid To Contras
FOR
Representative Don Clausen. He
4) Min Wage Increase
-
8) Japanese Reparations
FOR
12) Reagan Defense $ FOR
his support for the lumber and fi
part of the district, and when Der
Election Results
enthuse the counterculture migra
1988 general
Pete Wilson (R)
5,143,409
(53%)
($12,969,294)
And he has had the good luck 1
Leo T. McCarthy (D)
4,287,253
(44%)
($6,986,342)
rather united environmentalist mi
1988 primary
Pete Wilson (R), unopposed
the California wilderness bill, but
1982 general
Pete Wilson (R)
4,022,565
(52%)
($7,082,651)
now is offshore drilling of oil, whic
Edmund G. Brown, Jr. (D)
3,494,968
(45%)
($5,367,931)
helped to move the North Coast fu
a postponement of drilling before 1
from stopping oil drilling, Bosco':
everyday needs of North Coast res
FIRST DISTRICT
Merchant Marine Committees to S
The Redwood Empire, the North Coast-50 years ago this seemed an antique, left-behind part
Russian River restoration, Napa Ri
of California. "Eureka spreads in checkerboard fashion over an area large enough to accommo
on Highway 101 and acquiring a p
date a population several times its present size," wrote the WPA Guide. "Its solitary houses are
Santa Rosa marshes. In 1989 he goi
scattered over vast stretches of vacant, weed-grown lots. Along the waterfront are the saloons,
support for the nuclear freeze, now
cheap hotels and poolrooms of the late 19th century-relics of the days when the tough,
brilliant: in the last three elections
flamboyant life of the lonely frontier settlement centered here."
Empire congressman in 20 years.
Farther south, back off the foggy coastal valleys in the protected inland flatlands, was
The People: Est. Pop. 1986: 592,800
agronomist Luther Burbank's laboratory in Santa Rosa, a town that looks middle American
Households (1980): 69% family, 35% W
enough to have been the setting for dozens of movies. Sealed off from the rest of the country, and
median monthly rent: $233; median hou
in most places from the Pacific itself, by the various ridges of the Coast Range, the north coast of
origin, 2% American Indian, 1% Asian
California is a world unto itself. This is wet country, with some of the highest rainfall in the
1988 Presidential Vote:
United States-higher as you get toward Oregon-a moist, rainy land of massive trees and
Dukakis (D)
Bush (R)
rounded mountains, of small towns with filigreed Victorian houses and lumber mills. The
Redwood Empire some call it, after the giant trees which grow up and down the coast, is
Rep. Douglas H. Bosco (D)
nourished most of the year by drizzle and fog. The first white settlers here were Russians who
Elec
left little behind them but interesting place names (the Russian River, Fort Ross). They were
Will:
followed, in the years after the California Gold Rush, by lumbermen and fishermen. By the late
(Gay
19th century, great fortunes had been made in lumber from the redwoods and Douglas firs, as
Eureka's still standing Victorian mansions attest. This Redwood Empire, beginning in the south
Care
around Santa Rosa (and, over a hill, in Napa) and continuing all the way up to the Oregon
Office
border, forms California's 1st Congressional District.
329,
In the 1970s and 1980s, the North Coast has changed as people have moved here from the
Eurek
San Francisco Bay area. The movement has been heavy in Sonoma County, which is within easy
Comm
reach of the Golden Gate Bridge on U.S. 101; it has been lighter but more distinctively
Arms
countercultural in Mendocino County, where the leading cash crop was said to be marijuana.
rine ai.
These new North Coasters have brought many of the values and attitudes from the Bay area's
Conser
liberal and even radical precincts to counties discontented with the sagging fortunes of the
tion (1
lumber industry in a time of national prosperity. The result is that politically, as the country and
Oversi:
the interior of California have become more Republican in the 1980s, the Redwood Empire has
become more Democratic. In the 1988 presidential election, as in the close 1986 Senate contest,
Group Ratings
the Redwood Empire counties were solidly Democratic.
Coming along at just the right time for this trend is Congressman Doug Bosco. Throughout his
ADA
ACLU
COPE
CFA
1988
career he has had a gift for being at the right place at the right time. In the 1960s he left New
80
74
79
73
1987
68
77
57
York (which has been losing congressional districts) for school OH the West Coast (which has
PN 6081
E3
WH
AMERICA THE
QUOTABLE
Mike Edelhart and
James Tinen
Facts On File Publications
460 Park Avenue South
New York, N.Y. 10016
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
vegetable garden. The Imperial Valley, a flat wedge
"The future always looks good in the golden land,
"Here I was at the end of America-no more land--
CALIFORNIA
running down the center of the state, produces more
because no one remembers the past."
and now there was nowhere to go but back."
variety and greater income from farming than any
Joan Didion
Jack Kerouac
other area in America. California's north central
"Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream"
On the Road
wine region produces the greatest volume of wine on
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
1955
Earth, at quality levels that often equal or surpass
***
+
1968
those of French wines.
"Just as the energies released by the discovery of
Industrially, the state has led the way in develop-
gold put California into orbit with a mighty blast-off,
ment of soft technology-electronics, computers,
"California is a place in which a boom mentality and
so it has been kept spinning, faster and faster, by a
video. Aerospace also plays an important role in
a sense of Chekhovian loss meet in uneasy suspen-
succession of subsequent, providentially timed dis-
sion."
California commerce.
coveries and 'explosions' of one kind or another."
Joan Didion
Several of America's great physical attractions lie
Neal R. Peirce
Capital: Sacramento
in California. The forests of unbelievable giant red-
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
The Pacific States of America
Entered the union (with rank): Sept. 9, 1850 (31)
woods are the oldest living communities on the
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
1972
State motto: Eureka (I have found it)
1968
continent. The coast highway running from San
***
State flower: Golden poppy
Francisco to Los Angeles follows some of the most
"California stretches out on the west coast of Amer-
State bird: California valley quail
spectacular ocean cliffs in the world. The Pacific
"Although there are still slices of Berkeley in almost
ica like a centerfold from Playboy."
State song: "I Love You, California"
Coast Trail winds along the spine of the Sierra
every college town, and little Sunset Strips or
Song at Twilight
State tree: Sequoia
Nevada Mountains. And Lake Tahoe, a cold, crystal-
Haight-Ashburys in every big city, minigrokkers and
PBS-TV
Nickname: Golden State
line body of water set in a mountain basin along the
groovers everywhere, California in the 80s has
Jan. 21, 1977
Origin of state name: From the book Las Sergas de
Nevada border, offers some of the best skiing and
floated partway back toward the general American
***
Esplanadian by Garcia Ordonez de Montalvo, c.
outdoor sports in the country.
reality."
"Facing west from California's shores,
1500
All of these attributes and accomplishments have
Herbert Gold
Inquiring, tireless, seeking what is yet unfound,
led to a certain smugness in Californians' self-
A Walk on the West Side
I, a child, very old, over waves, towards the house
America's most populous state and the nation's trend
perception and a bit of envy and incomprehension on
1981
Of maternity, the land of migrations, look afar.
setter, California is modern America's fantasy land,
the part of outsiders.
representing the most fashionable reflection of our-
"California, the most spectacular and most diversi-
Walt Whitman
selves at any given moment. Geographically, it en-
THE STATE
fied American state, California so ripe, golden,
"Facing West from California's Shores"
compasses examples of just about every physical
yeasty, churning in a flux, is a world of its own in
1867
feature found in America, including the nation's
"What America is to Europe, what Western America
this trip we are beginning. It contains both the most
lowest spot, Death Valley, within borders that reach
is to Eastern, that California is to the other Western
sophisticated and the most bigoted community in
"But more in you than these, lands of the Western
from Mexico to the far north and from the Pacific
states the most active minds are too much ab-
America; it is a bursting cornucopia of peoples as
shore
Ocean to the Sierra Nevada.
California's role as a dream land for Americans
sorbed in great business enterprises to attend to
well as of fruit, glaciers, sunshine, desert, and petro-
I see in you, certain to come, the promise of thou-
politics; the inferior men are frequently reckless and
leum. There are several Californians, and the state is
sands of years, till now deferr'd,
began with the settling of the West. This one-time
irresponsible; the masses are impatient, accustomed
at once demented and very sane, adolescent and
Promis'd to be fulfill'd, our common kind, the
Spanish colony, ceded to the United States by Mex-
to blame everything and everybody but themselves
mature, depending on the point of view."
race.
ico in 1847, was the place where gold was discovered
for the slow approach of the millennium, ready to try
John Gunther
The new society, proportionate to Nature
by James Marshall at Sutter's Creek. It was the ocean
instant, even if perilous, remedies for a present
Inside U.S.A.
I see the genius of the modern, child of the real
paradise where fruits grew wild and the weather was
evil."
1947
and the ideal,
always kind, as compared to the barren desert and
James Bryce
***
Clearing the ground for broad humanity, the true
scrubby prairies settlers trudged through on their way
The American Commonwealth
"Iowa gets here and goes crazy."
America, heir of the past so grand.
"
westward. Ever since, this slice of seaside America
1889
Resident
Walt Whitman
has represented a perfect environment for American
***
Quoted by John Gunther
"Song of the Redwood-Tree"
life.
"California, the department store state."
Inside USA
1881
Since World War II, California has experienced a
population explosion that has led to the formation of
Raymond Chandler
1947
***
The Little Sister
*
"California, since we took it from the Mexicans, has
a wandering megalopolis that stretches southward
1949
from Santa Barbara through Los Angeles all the way
"The endless tide of immigration, peculiarities of
always presented itself to Americans as one of the
***
geography, and the forced-draft growth of Califor-
strangest and most exotic of their exploits."
down to San Diego and eastward to Palm Springs. In
this urban expanse the modern highway and suburb
[An old saying about California]: "The west coast of
nia's economy have made it a kaleidoscope succes-
Edmund Wilson
came to be; it still produces most popular American
Iowa."
sion of states changing from year to year, almost day
The Boys in the Back Room
fashion today. San Francisco in the north is the
Joan Didion
to day."
1941
"John Wayne: A Love Song"
Gladwin Hill
freethinking hilltop enclave where experimentation
THE LANDSCAPE
and the unusual are accepted as they would be
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
Dancing Bear
1968
1968
nowhere else.
"California's growth has been suburban sprawl, and
Apart from its social role, California is America's
though each new California suburb has been much
102
103
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
[On crossing the Mojave Desert]: "It's as though
like all the others, no prevailing emotional force had
federal reserves. One-third is still forested and an-
nature tested a man for endurance and constancy to
appeared to bind them all together except, perhaps,
other 20 percent is barren mountains and desert.
"The flashing and golden pageant of California,
prove whether he was good enough to get to Califor-
Only about 15 percent of the land is classified as
The sudden and gorgeous drama, the sunny and
the climate."
nia."
Stephen Birmingham
arable."
John Steinbeck
ample lands
The Golden Dream
Gladwin Hill
Travels with Charley
Walt Whitman
1978
Dancing Bear
1962
"Song of The Redwood Tree"
"On the right [driving south along the coast] the
1968
1881
***
***
great solid Pacific trudging into shore like a scrub
"From them [the redwoods] come silence and awe.
woman going home."
"The light blue haze in the lower canyon [along the
It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color
"This slender ribbon of land and water is remarkable
Raymond Chandler
California coast] was like a thin smoke from slowly
which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no,
in many ways; its variety, its climate, its promise.
The Little Sister
burning money. Even the sea looked precious
they are not like any trees we know, they are ambas-
And the people who live along this ribbon recognize
1949
sadors from another time."
that, both because of the nature of the coastline and
through it. I had never seen the Pacific look so
John Steinbeck
the nature of the sea, they are sharing in a special
small."
***
experience."
Ross Macdonald
Travels with Charley
"The air is delicious, tangy, and when you return
1962
Merrill Windsor
The Moving Target
after a stint in a place like New York you can eat it."
"America's Sunset Coast"
1949
John R. Coyne, Jrl,
National Geographic
***
"The spring is beautiful in California. Valleys in
The Kumquat Statement
1978
1970
"Nature in California is neurotic, its apparent stabil-
which the fruit blossoms are fragrant pink and white
ity a mask for anguish and anxiety; drought and fire
waters in a shallow sea. Then the first tendrils of the
***
are her most frequent aggressions, but earthquake her
grapes swelling from the old gnarled vines, cascade
PEOPLE
"All that is constant about California is the rate at
constant menace."
down to cover the trunks."
which it disappears."
Wilson Carey McWilliams
John Steinbeck
"As for the people in California, they are samples of
Joan Didion
"California: Notes of a Native Son"
The Grapes of Wrath
all our people. They come from every state to enjoy
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
The Activist
1939
climate and scene-a perilous enjoyment, for the
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
1967
***
foundations of the state, which hangs between sea
1968
"At last we are through the Golden Gate-fit name
and mountain ranges, are unsteady."
***
"They have taken a beautiful land and destroyed it."
for such a magnificent portal to the commerce of the
Pearl S. Buck
Pacific."
America
"
the [typical California] kind of day when Cata-
Ashley Montagu
lina floats on the Pacific horizon and the air smells of
The American Way of Life
Bayard Taylor
1971
orange blossoms and it is a long way from the bleak
1967
Eldorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire
and difficult East
"
***
1926
"East is East, and West is San Francisco, according
***
Joan Didion
"Californians rank among the most determined ex-
to Californians. Californians are a race of people;
"Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream"
ploiters, desecraters, and protectors of the natural
"Oct. 23-Mild, balmy earthquakes.
they are not merely inhabitants of a state."
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
environment that the world has ever seen. Like its
Oct. 24-Shaky
O. Henry
1968
citizens, the state government has a spotty record."
Oct. 25-Occasional shakes, followed by light
"A Municipal Report"
Neal R. Peirce
showers of bricks and plastering
1910
***
"It is easy to forget that the only natural force over
The Pacific States of America
Nov. 3-Make your will.
1972
Nov. 4-Sell out
which we have any control out here is water, and that
"California is the biggest collection of losers who
***
Nov. 6-Prepare to shed this mortal coil.
only recently. In my memory California summers
ever met on one piece of real estate."
Nov. 7-Shed."
were characterized by the coughing in the pipes that
"For all of California's sweetness and artificiality,
David Karp
Mark Twain
meant the well was dry, and California winters by
the primordial cycles of fire and rain and earthquake
New York Times
Golden Era (newspaper in San Francisco)
all-night watches on rivers about to crest, by sand-
continue, nature keeping man in his place."
Aug. 17, 1968
1865
bagging, by dynamite on the levees and flooding on
Neal R. Peirce
the first floor. Even now the place is not all that
The Pacific States of America
"I am prepared to argue that these mythmakers [who
hospitable to extensive settlement."
1972
"A California song,
propagate the idea that California is wonderful] have
Joan Didion
***
A prophecy and indirection, a thought impalpable
a good deal to do with driving Californians to the
to breath as air
The White Album
bottle, the psychiatrist, the divorce court, or the
"I am struck in California by the deep and almost
1979
religious affection people have for nature it
is
A murmuring, fateful, giant voice, out of the earth
Golden Gate Bridge. The mechanism, I suspect,
and sky,
their spontaneous substitute for articulate art and
goes something like this: 'Why am I so unhappy, so
Voice of a mighty dying tree in the redwood forest
miserable, and so wretched when I am living in the
"The bird's-eye view suggests that California is not
articulate religion."
dense."
most desirable place in the world among happy, well-
even yet an agrarian state-that it is still mainly
George Santayana
Walt Whitman
adjusted anxiety-free people? There must be some-
wilderness. In spatial terms, this is true. It encom-
Letter to Porter Garnett
1911
"Song of the Redwood Tree"
thing dreadfully wrong with me.' This is a gross
passes more than 100 million acres. Nearly half the
1881
over-simplification, but it can't be far from one
total is still national forests, national parks, and other
105
104
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
aspect of the truth, for all the statistical evidence
lain in their various quiet paths at home. They had
the yachting cap was going shopping, not boating;
ries of no account; where the procession of the fruits
found out how to escape all these duties, at least for
the man in the Norfolk jacket and Tyrolean hat was
of the seasons was like a pageant in a Drury Lane
makes one point clear: Californians in the mass are
the unhappiest people in the United States."
the moment, by fleeing over seas and deserts."
returning, not from a mountain, but an insurance
pantomime and where the dry air was wine, I should
Josiah Royce
office; and the girl in slacks and sneakers with a
let business slide once in a way and kick up my heels
Kenneth Lamott
California
bandanna around her head had just left a switch-
with my fellows."
Anti-California
1971
1914
board, not a tennis court."
Rudyard Kipling
Nathanael West
From Sea to Sea
The Day of the Locust
1899
[On why political and social trends show up first on
"People come to California, I say, to get out of the
1939
***
the West Coast]: "California is peopled by immi-
world."
grants who left their traditions on the eastern side of
Harrison Salisbury
"Here are nine million people with a life rich and
Travels Around America
WAY OF LIFE
full of everything except meaning. Families are
the Sierra Nevada. What native traditions we do have
1976
'units,' salaries are paid in 'K's' (i.e., kilodollars, on
are largely technological rather than humane. Our
thought, such as it is, revolves around the superficial
"If life [for old people] is to be conceived as a greasy
the analogy of kilowatts, as in the phrase, 'I'm
*
pole, [California,] for them, is the top, where the
making 12 K a year'), and there is good medical
comedy of acquisition and enjoyment, and rarely
"California Girls. There is a difference. Maybe it's
touches on our real tragedies. We are a people
the orange juice. Or the incessant sunshine. Or the
bottles, the chickens and the hams are strung."
evidence that kidneys are swimming-pool shaped."
without a usable past, and the ultimate results are
surfing and the skiing. But there's something trans-
Luigi Barzini
Andrew Kopkind
Americans Are Alone in the World
The New Republic
proving to be disastrous."
porting about a California girl; the legs are longer,
the eyes clearer, the skin more exuberant. Maybe an
1953
July 15, 1967
Kenneth Lamott
*
Anti-California
out-of-towner can become a California Girl if she
***
1971
"Truly, California's communities waste a great deal
[On the future of California]: "We will insist that we
comes here early-say at about age three. After that,
*
it's too late. She can be beautiful. And healthy. And
of energy denigrating each other. Publisher Michael
are living in the realm of Eros, but the temple we will
[On post-war unrest]: "War and inflation always
sexy. But she can never quite be that combination of
Korda
thinks all this is because when the west-
have built will be occupied by Thanatos. The rhetoric
maximum looks and minimum restraint, that tranquil
ward settlement of the United States ran its final
will remain that of the Promised Land, but the reality
raise a crop of stinkers, and a lot of them have settled
body and restive psyche that is the California Girl!"
course, it encountered the Pacific Ocean; it stopped
will be closer to George Orwell's nightmare. We will
in California."
Ross Macdonald
Tim Tyler
there and could go no farther. The pioneer spirit that
give away the truth by destroying ourselves literally
Time
had pushed across Ohio and the Great Plains, over
and symbolically at an increasing rate. Alcohol will
The Moving Target
Nov. 11, 1969
the ordeal of the Rockies and the Sierras, came to rest
remain our principal anesthetic, but marijuana and
1949
***
at the beach. There, with a feeling of 'Was it this that
the less virulent narcotics will be increasingly used in
*
"People out here [California] talk entirely for their
we were after?' it has been reposing ever since,
wider circles than they are now. Our madhouses will
"The Mexican is in California usually because pov-
disappointed, but too tired to go back."
overflow. There will be an increasing number of
erty has driven him out of his own country. The
own pleasure."
Californian is moving too fast to notice, or to wonder
Evelyn Waugh
Stephen Birmingham
suicides that will be hard to explain on any rational
The Loved One
The Golden Dream
basis. And so in the end the land that Walt Whitman
why."
1978
described as a 'flashing and golden pageant' and that
1948
Neil Morgan
Mark Twain called the 'Crown Princess of the new
Westward Tilt
*
dispensation' will indeed become our first parafascist
1963
"For northern Europeans made somber and astrin-
"Single women, it was agreed, should not move-to
state [the result of social and economic trends under
gent by a centuries-long struggle with obdurate soil
Los Altos. Divorced and widowed women should
*
Governor Ronald Reagan, according to Lamott]. As
and unfriendly climate to stumble upon such a land
move away as quickly as possible. The suburbs offer
"I attended a dinner the other morning given for the
California has gone, so eventually will go the rest of
and discover it empty and waiting was in itself a
hostile territory to the unattached female."
Old Settlers of California. No one was allowed to
the United States."
attend unless he had been in the State two and one-
dramatic episode in the life of the race. The people
Stephen Birmingham
Kenneth Lamott
who call themselves Californians are not yet over
The Golden Dream
half years."
Anti-California
their surprise. A sense of the prodigious abides with
1978
Will Rogers
1971
them. They are like children let loose in a new and
* *
The Illiterate Digest
1924
wonderful nursery, and their enjoyment lies still in
"If the 'California fever' [laziness] spares the first
"The pathetic and dreadful secret is out [after sur-
the contrast of its spacious magnificence with the
generation, it always attacks the second."
veying rates of alcoholism and suicide]: Nothing
meagerness into which they were born."
Richard Henry Dana,
"The Californian has too often come to love mere
really matters very much. Winning a yacht race is
George P. West
Two Years Before the Mast
fullness of life and to lack reverence for the relations
just as important as winning a case in court. Playing
These United States
1840
of life."
a first-rate game of tennis is just as important as
1924
***
Josiah Royce
painting good pictures. Remodeling a house with
"At least I heard a little rat of a creature with hock-
California
one's own hands is just as important as painting good
"A great many of the people [in California] wore
bottle shoulders explaining that a man from Chicago
1948
pictures. Remodeling a house with one's own hands
sports clothes which were not really sports clothes.
could pull the eye-teeth of a Californian in business.
is just as important as taking a class of freshmen
Their sweaters, knickers, slacks, blue flannel jackets
Well, if I lived in Fairyland, where cherries were as
through Heart of Darkness. Nothing really matters
"California was full of Jonahs [the early settlers],
whose modest and possibly unprophetic duties had
with brass buttons were fancy dress. The fat lady in
big as plums, plums as big as apples, and strawber-
very much, but the view of the bay is great. This is
107
106
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
the great tragedy of California, for a life oriented to
"In other parts of the world, youth lasts a reasonable
so you can have a little grace, and the neighbors be
He said, in climate, none had ever died there
leisure is in the end a life oriented to death-the
period of time; in California it lasts a lifetime."
damned."
Ashley Montagu
A natural death, and Vigilance Committees
greatest leisure of all-and in its psychic conse-
Richard Rhodes
quences we find the seedbed for the parafascist
The American Way of Life
Had had to organize to stock the graveyards
Playboy
1967
And vindicate the state's humanity."
revolution."
June, 1975
Robert Frost
Kenneth Lamott
***
New Hampshire
Anti-California
"It is the land of perpetual pubescence, where cul-
"There aren't any standards here."
1923
1971
tural lag is mistaken for renaissance."
A young woman
***
***
Ashley Montagu
Quoted by Harrison Salisbury
"California prophets [gurus and psuedo-holy-men],
The American Way of Life
"In California there has been a certain cosmopolitan-
Travels Around America
like its geraniums, grow large, rank and garish."
1967
ism, a certain freedom and breadth of common
1976
Carey McWilliams
***
thought and feeling, natural to a community made up
***
Holiday
"But what, one asks, lies at the heart of the peculiar
from so many different sources, to which every man
"The truth is that what is missing in California is
vortex of human energy and desire called California?
and woman had been transplanted-all travelers to
January, 1947
quality of life. The oranges are enormous but lack
***
Theories abound-futurism, anomie, boosterism,
some extent, and with native angularities of prejudice
taste. The peaches are rosy beyond belief but lack
and habit more or less worn off. Then there has been
"California is a land of sepulchral visions; it calls up
sun and leisure culture in a beneficent climate, a
tang. The people are lovely but disconnected from
lemming-like rush to the precipice of the next great
a feeling of personal hopefulness and self-reliance,
nightmares of human degeneration and extinction."
reality."
and a certain large-heartedness and open-handedness
Wilson Carey McWilliams
earthquake."
Neal R. Peirce
Harrison Salisbury
which were born of the comparative evenness with
The Activist
Travels Around America
The Pacific States of America
which property was distributed, the high standard of
Fall, 1967
1976
1972
wages and of comfort, and the latent feeling of
***
***
everyone that he might 'make a strike,' and certainly
***
"But California, at one time, promised to develop a
"In more than one respect living in California is like
could not be kept down long
charming and enlightened civilization. What re-
"California long ago got the reputation of being a
being happily married to a very beautiful woman, a
Henry George
mains is an Alsatia of retired Ford agents and crazy
land of loony schemes and political extremes, an
placid, maternally wise, mentally indolent woman of
The Overland Monthly
fat women-a paradise of 100 percent Americanism
image which has stuck and somehow refuses to come
the classic tradition, whose mere presence allays
1868
and the New Thought."
unglued."
restlessness by making it seem gratuitous and a little
***
H. L. Mencken
Neal R. Peirce
ridiculous."
"The Champion"
The Pacific States of America
1972
George P. West
"The California of the new era [with the railroads]
Prejudices: Fifth Series
These United States
will be greater, richer, more powerful than the Cali-
1926
***
1924
fornia of the past; but will she be still the same
***
"California has been a dream for so long, and we
California whom her adopted children, gathered
"The California climate makes the sick well and the
have dreamed of California for so long, that we
from all climes, love better than their own mother-
well sick, the old young and the young old."
hardly even any longer notice the mechanism. The
lands; from which all who have lived within her
Traditional saying
audioanimatronic men and women, the vinyl surf,
bounds are proud to hail; to which all who have
Quoted by H. L. Mencken
the polyurethane clouds move grandly on the stage;
known her long to return? She will have more people;
A New Dictionary of Quotations, On Historical Prin-
caught up in the verisimilitude-or, rather, their lack
HISTORY AND POLITICS
but among these people will there be so large a
ciples
of verisimilitude, because it is their difference from
proportion of full, true men? She will have more
1942
us that attracts us-we ignore the whirring of the
"Somebody has attempted to rob the safe in the
wealth; but will it be so evenly distributed?"
***
ordinary gears and slap-slap of the ordinary tapes
office of the City and County Treasurer. This is
Henry George
"California audiences applaud whenever a musician
running out in the pit below."
rushing matters; the impatient scoundrel ought to try
The Overland Monthly
Richard Rhodes
his hand at being a supervisor first."
1868
hesitates long enough to turn a page."
Playboy
Ambrose Bierce
***
Leonard Michaels
June, 1975
New York Times
News Letter and Commercial Advertiser, San
"Many [of the Forty-Niners] who came here doubt-
***
Oct. 26, 1975
Francisco
"California is the state, above all others in the
less already wearied and disgusted with the hardships
1869
***
United States of America, Florida included, where
of their tedious journey-with sleeping in wet blan-
***
"In California there are the largest, biggest and most
people move who covet the best view, who believe
kets through storms of snow and hurricanes of hail,
complex freeways in the world, where often to drive
"There is a sense of history in California, not of its
that art, beauty and truth can be bought."
and urging hollow and weary cattle over immense,
under 75 miles an hour is to court death. To drive on
own, but of its founders."
Richard Rhodes
treeless plains, on which the grass had hardly started.
these freeways is an open invitation to death, any-
Pearl S. Buck
Playboy
Coming in thus weather-beaten, chafed and soured,
way, so this last statement is redundant."
America
June, 1975
and finding but a handful of squalid adventurers
Ashley Montagu
1971
living in the rudest log huts, barred out from the
***
The American Way of Life
***
mountains by snow and ice, and precluded from.
"
1967
the basic, generic California shuffle: you move
"I met a Californian who would
washing the sands of the streams on the plains by
to California and buy a little beauty, buy a little space
***
Talk California-a state so blessed,
high water, they jumped at once to the conclusion
108
109
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
that the whole thing was a humbug, got up by
"California has been the hardest hit of the western
from the Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth
*
states by the four big problems of growth: urban
as the Creator intended it to look."
reckless speculators to promote selfish ends."
"Along the shore, where long ago mountains were
Horace Greeley
sprawl, traffic congestion, air pollution, water short-
Henry Miller
lifted from the depths of the sea, waves wage unend-
An Overland Journey
age. But it moves, often aggressively, to solve its
Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymous Bosch
ing war against the land, the sea the constant victor."
1957
1859
problems; it must, or be buried under the ava-
Steve Crouch
***
***
lanche."
Steinbeck Country
Neil Morgan
"Every day of my life at Big Sur I had before me the
1973
"There was commotion in Roaring Camp. It could
Westward Tilt
incomparable vista of the Pacific. Its ever-changing
***
not have been a fight, for in 1850 that was not novel
1963
aspects offered me alternately peace and stimulation.
enough to have called together the entire settlement."
"The rains of ten million years nibbled at the slopes
***
I had to learn to live with this overwhelming force
Bret Harte
of the mountains and erosion cut deep canyons and
"The miner came in forty-nine,
which is hidden within its obvious grandeur."
The Luck of Roaring Camp
filled the valleys with fine, rich silt."
1868
The whores in fifty-one,
Henry Miller
Steve Crouch
And when they got together,
My Life and Times
Steinbeck Country
***
1971
They made a Native Son."
1973
"The 'nice guy' candidate takes the high road, and
Old ditty ascribed to California newcomers
***
***
he deals in constructive-sounding truisms at which
Quoted by John Steinbeck
"Big Sur is a state of mind. On a less than literal
"Man's back roads in the Gabilans are white scars on
few voters can take offense. He identifies himself
Travels with Charley
map, it is one of the capitals of the California life-
the chalky soil; on the bajadas of the Santa Lucias,
implicitly with all that's solid and worthwhile, ma-
1962
style, a landmark in the American imagination."
the roads of erosion leave deep gashes in the hillside
neuvering his opponent into the offensive role of
***
Reader's Digest
pastures."
fault-finding, criticizing, carping, and throwing
brickbats. Soon the opponent starts looking like a
"First of all, let us remember a far-off land with the
1973
Steve Crouch
strange name California. The great Cortez heard of
Carmel
Steinbeck Country
disruptive boat-rocker, a negative figure. Then he is
finished. California's populace, rootless by defini-
it-a rumor of gold and griffins and black Amazons
1973
tion to begin with, and now wedded to a veritable
two centuries later, so distant was it and so unknown
"I discovered one morning a truth about Carmel: that
***
state of flux, dislikes any injection of further instabil-
still, that Jonathan Swift, wishing to put his giant
it was beauty without substance; that it was a rest
"They [Central Valley towns] are all the same at
ities. What the people really want is reassurance. The
Brobdingnagians in the most unknown part, wrote
home."
heart, one- and two- and three-story buildings art-
'nice guy' candidate offers this."
that their country lay northwest of California. But a
Richard Rhodes
lessly arranged."
few years later the Spaniards came up from Mexico,
Playboy
Joan Didion
Gladwin Hill
Dancing Bear
and peopled the land thinly."
June, 1975
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
George R. Stewart
***
1968
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
The California Trail
"If Carmel's founders should return, they could not
1968
***
1962
afford to live there, but it wouldn't go that far. They
***
" 'What,' James Reston asked me, 'does California
would be instantly picked up as suspicious characters
[The Central Valley]: "A giant outdoor hothouse
have to give to the nation?' Well, I said, for one thing
and deported over the city line."
with a billion-dollar crop."
it offers the example of a large number of people who
John Steinbeck
Joan Didion
have scrapped the party system in its orthodox Amer-
CITIES, TOWNS
Travels with Charley
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
ican form, and have got along fairly well neverthe-
1962
less. It has demonstrated that with the most ram-
AND REGIONS
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
***
1968
shackle, illogical arrangements for party politics,
citizens still can keep closely in step with national
Big Sur
"It is probably a good deal too easy to be a nihilist on
***
political trends, and state government can be kept
the coast of Carmel; your very negation is a negation
" And almost at once the mighty valley of the
honest and progressive, when 'the people' have the
of nothing."
Sacramento-as broad as a continent-and all
"This [Big Sur] may be a place where vocabulary is
Edmund Wilson
simplified, and Really means Yes, I do, I understand,
through the morning through the great floor of that
means of correcting aberrations."
Gladwin Hill
I will, and Hello. But it is also a place where the sun
The Boys in the Back Room
great plain-like valley-the vast fields thick with
1941
Dancing Bear
shines, the fog rolls, the sea gleams, the hot springs
straw grass lighter than Swedes' hair."
1968
The Central Valley
Thomas Wolfe
beneath the surface bubble up, and the body takes
A Western Journal
***
pleasure in a museum of miraculous beauty. Really.
1938
"One morning in January [1848]-it was a clear cold
'Space mates' tend to replace spouses among the
"Scattered along the slopes of the ridges are small
residents, and there is never a fight, although some-
potreros-mountain meadows of a sort-grassy
morning; I shall never forget that morning-as I was
taking my usual walk along the race, after shutting
times an interpersonal conflict will break out."
glades surrounded by thicket and forest. By the time
Death Valley
Herbert Gold
midsummer has come, the grasses are burnt dry and
off the water my eye was caught by a glimpse of
A Walk on the West Side
the potreros turn to splashes of gold on the blue-
"Death Valley is at once a dramatic natural phenom-
something shining in the bottom of the ditch."
1981
green mountainside."
enon and a powerful symbol in the American imagi-
James Marshall
***
Steve Crouch
nation. Its physical credentials are formidable-the
Account of the Discovery of Gold
"This [Big Sur] is the California that men dreamed
Steinbeck Country
hottest and driest spot in the United States and the
1848
*
of years ago, this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at
1973
lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. From one
110
111
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
end to the other, it appears as an unyielding slice of
"After the scenery-which seems to possess a peren-
desert that penalizes the unlucky and the unprepared;
"It was just a private home with two people in it. It
nial charm, giving the visitor fresh surprises every
[On local aerospace industry in Sacramento]: "Peo-
more than any other corner of sagebrush country, it
was on the map [of Death Valley] because it was the
morning-there is nothing more attractive about
ple here talk, eat and sleep rockets."
epitomizes the severity and starkness of that arid
only house in a stretch of 140 miles."
Monterey than this dreamy Spanish life that takes no
Philip Hamburger
realm."
Ernie Pyle
count of time or progress, the changes in govern-
An American Notebook
ments or the new discoveries of science."
-Donald Dale Jackson
Home Country
1965
1947
J. R. Fitch
Sagebrush Country
1975
Picturesque California
1888
San Diego
"There is plenty in Death Valley to remind a visitor
"It is no more hostile than the Arctic or the top of a
of the 'valley of the shadow of death' in the 23rd
mountain. Land is not hostile; it is neutral. People
Psalm. Anyone who arrives there by way of nearby
"I could see people [on the Monterey coast] living-
"You are struck by the fact that it [San Diego] is rich
who say it is hostile are unwilling to adjust to it."
Las Vegas could even imagine the place as a conven-
amid magnificent scenery-essentially as they did in
communally and then you come to one reason for
Donald Dale Jackson
ient purgatory in which to atone for a luxurious stay
the idylls or the Sagas, or in Homer's Ithaca. Here
these communal riches: San Diego is also a great
Sagebrush Country
was life purged of its ephemeral accretions. Men
naval base, and Southern California the setting for a
in the gambling capital."
1975
Reader's Digest
were riding after cattle, or plowing the headland,
great concentration of military bases. The entire
Scenic Wonders of America
hovered by white sea gulls, as they have done for
region therefore benefits from the lavish expendi-
1973
thousands of years, and will for thousands of years to
tures of a wealthy government, in an area-defense-
"It requires an exercise of strongest faith to believe
come."
in which expenditure is always freest."
that the great Creator ever smiled upon it."
Robinson Jeffers
Nathan Glazer
William Manly
"[As the sun sets] every ravine and canyon becomes
Preface to Selected Poems
Commentary
Quoted by Donald Dale Jackson
a fathomless abyss of purple haze, shrouding the
1938
August, 1959
Sagebrush Country
bases of gorgeous towers and battlements that seem
1975
encrusted with a mosaic more brilliant and intricate
than the work of the Venetian artists."
"They [the people of Monterey] fish for tourists
"Unbelievably, in the wake of such explosive
***
"The Panamint hills were already but blue hum-
Israel Russel, 19th century geologist
now, not pilchards, and that species they are not
growth, San Diego has remained a pleasant and
mocks on the horizon. Before him stretched pri-
Quoted by Donald Dale Jackson
likely to wipe out."
leisurely city. It glistens under a flood of sunlight,
mordial desolation [Death Valley]. League upon
John Steinbeck
and the toasted browns of its canyons and mesas form
Sagebrush Country
league the infinite reaches of dazzling white alkali
1975
Travels with Charley
mountings for pampered green lawns, burnt-red tile
laid themselves out like an immeasurable scroll from
1962
roofs and pastel stuccos."
horizon to horizon: not a brush, not a twig relieved
Neil Morgan
"Every peak, every face, every ledge, every decliv-
"Why, I've read there's more unexplored country in
Westward Tilt
that horrible monotony it was abominable, this
ity, every gorge, every stratum, every rock, has a
hideous sink of alkali, this bed of some primeval lake
the mountains of Monterey County than any place in
1963
color of its own and there are no two breadths of
the United States."
lying so far below the level of the ocean."
color exactly alike. They vary from marble white to
Frank Norris
John Steinbeck
"And when they [immigrants] move to San Diego,
lava black, from the palest green to the darkest
McTeague
The Red Pony
they find they are finally cornered, there is nowhere
carmine, from the faintest cream to royal purple-
1899
1933
farther to go."
there is every tint and every brilliant and every dull
Sacramento
Edmund Wilson
body of color, and all mingled, contrasted, and
"The California desert, so vast it once appeared
"The Jumping-Off Place"
blended, all piled up in such magnificent masses as
limitless, is starting to look used, almost worn out in
are beyond description."
"In that gentle sleep [in years before World War II]
1931
places modern man has left strips of asphalt,
John Spears
Sacramento dreamed until perhaps 1950, when
railroad tracks, power lines, tin cans, motels and gas
Quoted by Donald Dale Jackson
something happened. What happened was that Sacra-
stations, and waste materials from mines. Califor-
Sagebrush Country
mento woke to the fact that the outside world was
nia's more than one million motorcycles, trail bikes,
moving in, fast and hard. At the moment of waking,
San Francisco
1975
dune buggies and other off-road vehicles have
Monterey
Sacramento lost, for better or worse, its character."
churned ruts in a desert environment so fragile it still
Joan Didion
"Of course, San Francisco has always been a gam-
bears the tracks of Gen. Patton's tanks on World War
"In Monterey there are a number of English and
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
bling city. It is in the marrow and-braincells of her
II maneuvers."
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
people, whether their blood ancestors were 'forty-
Americans (English or 'Ingles' all are called who
Neal R. Peirce
1968
niners' or not, and as there is no evil out of which
The Pacific States of America
speak the English language) who have married Cali-
***
good may not come, it is the source of their superb
1972
fornians, become united to the Catholic Church, and
"It [Sacramento] is a town many of whose most solid
powers of bluff, their unquenchable optimism, and
acquired considerable property. Having more indus-
citizens sense about themselves a kind of functional
their indomitability under the most harrowing afflic-
try, frugality, and enterprise than the natives, they
obsolescence."
tions."
"Many bodies [in Death Valley] have been found
soon get nearly all the trade into their hands."
Joan Didion
Gertrude Atherton
with water jugs beside them."
Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
"Notes from a Native Daughter"
California: An Intimate History
Ernie Pyle
Two Years before the Mast
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
1889
Home Country
1840
1968
1947
113
112
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
"That scum which the westward moving wave of
is not quite clear, to this day, is what it was that died
"Make no mistake, stranger, San Francisco is West
treat San Francisco as a continuous costume party,
emigration carries on its crest is here stopped, be-
in those flames, but we suspect it was something
as all hell."
Halloween-by-the-Bay, and amazingly enough-the
cause it can go no farther. It accumulates in San
special. 'The gayest, lightest-hearted and most
Bernard De Voto
flower-child spasm was partly about this-some
Francisco
pleasure-loving city of the western continent is
Quoted by Curt Gentry
manage to make of Halloween a way of life."
James Bryce
dead,' wrote Will Irwin as the fire marched across
Dolphin Guide to San Francisco
Herbert Gold
The American Commonwealth
the hills."
1962
A Walk on the West Side
1889
Herb Caen
1981
One Man's San Francisco
"San Francisco was where the social hemorrhaging
1976
"It [San Francisco] was a New York which has got
[of 1960s] was showing up."
"But despite media overload, despite its being fed
Joan Didion
no New England on one side of it, and no shrewd and
into the great international media meat-grinder, and
orderly rural population on the other, to keep it in
"The Saroyan-Sam Spade city-perhaps that was the
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
coming out Hilton Hamburger and Fisherman's
last of it as far as the storybooks are concerned, but
1967
order. Hence both state and city were, and in a sense
Wharf link sausage, San Francisco remains some-
are still, less steadied by national opinion than any
there is no way to give up on San Francisco, once you
thing of what people have always thought of it.
other state or city within the wide compass of the
have fallen under its spell. You keep looking for the
"In Golden Gate Park that day
While New York and Paris seem to be yearning to
Union."
magic, and now and then, when the wind and the
a man and his wife were coming along
become larger versions of Cleveland, and Cleveland
James Bryce
light are right, and the air smells ocean-clean, and a
thru the enormous meadow
is becoming Detroit, San Francisco remains mysteri-
The American Commonwealth
white ship is emerging from the Golden Gate mist
which was the meadow of the world"
ously itself."
1889
into the Bay, and the towers are reflecting the sun's
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Herbert Gold
last rays-at moments like that you turn to the ghosts
A Coney Island of the Mind
"A Walk on the West Side"
and ask, 'Was this the way it was?' and there is never
1955
1981
"In San Francisco there is the best Chinese settle-
an answer.
***
ment in the western world."
Herb Caen
"To this Gate I gave the name of Chrysopylar, or
Pearl S. Buck
One Man's San Francisco
Golden Gate; for the same reasons that the harbor of
"Everybody looked like a broken-down movie extra,
America
1976
Byzantium (Constantinople afterwards), was called
a withered starlet; disenchanted stunt-men, midget
1971
Chrysoceras, or Golden Horn. Passing through this
auto racers, poignant California characters with their
"[In San Francisco] we get baseball weather in
gate, the bay opens to the right and left, extending in
end-of-the-continent sadness, handsome, decadent,
"Bachelor Matthew Kelly returned to his Stockton
football season and football weather in July and
each direction about 35 miles, having a total length
Casanova-ish men, puffy-eyed motel blondes, hus-
tlers, pimps, whores, masseurs, bellhops-a lemon
Street town house late one night to discover that his
August."
of more than 70, and a coast of about 275 miles.
Herb Caen
"
lot, and how's a man going to make a living with a
digs had been burglarized of only two items-a huge
New York Times
John Charles Fremont
gang like that?"
white bearskin rug, complete with head, and a gold-
handled cane. When the police arrived, Matthew
Sept. 26, 1975
A Year of American Travel
Jack Kerouac
1878
On the Road
observed: 'Shouldn't be too hard to find a person
wearing a bearskin rug and carrying a gold-handled
"Nature has endowed the north of California with
1955
cane.' 'Well,' replied one of the officers, 'in any
resources that will endure and flourish when Holly-
"You can relax and listen in San Francisco. You
other town, maybe, but in San Francisco, who'd look
wood has disappeared in the prehistoric tarpits of
can't in New York."
"There was the Pacific, a few more foothills away,
twice?'
Wilshire Boulevard."
Ralph Gleason, publisher
blue and vast and with a great wall of white advanc-
Herb Caen
Charlie Chaplin
Quoted in the New York Times
ing from the legendary potato patch where Frisco
One Man's San Francisco
1910
June 4, 1975
fogs are born. Another hour and it would come
1976
***
streaming through the Golden Gate to shroud the
"The song ["I left my heart in San Francisco"]
"I always dreamed of eventually settling in Paris.
romantic city in white, and a young man would hold
***
made us rich and comparatively well-known, and at
So when I arrived to pass a season in San Fran-
"Soon. as somebody once said, the only thing old in
his girl by the hand and climb slowly up a long white
first that all seemed wonderful. But now I'm sorry
cisco, having sublet my flat in Greenwich Village, it
San Francisco will be the young men's faces."
sidewalk with a bottle of Tokay in his pocket. That
we ever wrote it. Lately, San Francisco seems to be
was just to do a job. I was having a play produced in
was Frisco:"
Herb Caen
dying by inches, and all the qualities that appealed to
the old Actors' Workshop. Hmm, so this is Frisco, I.
One Man's San Francisco
Jack Kerouac
us are vanishing. Maybe we were partly
thought. Two weeks later I phoned back to New York
On the Road
1976
responsible-I suppose the song made thousands of
and told my tenants to keep the place. I was staying."
1955
people come to the city and, in various ways, con-
Herbert Gold
" 'We thought the world had come to an end' [after
tribute to the changes that are destroying it. San
A Walk on the West Side
the earthquake of 1906]-that is the key sentence, the
Francisco is no longer the city we wrote about."
1981
"San Francisco has only one drawback. "Tis hard to
one that gnaws perpetually at everyone who is fasci-
Douglass Cross, one of the composers of the song
leave."
nated by this city. From reading the record, we know
Quoted by Herb Caen
"But for some who come to San Francisco, Chinese
Rudyard Kipling
that all San Francisco is divided into two parts: the
One Man's San Francisco
New Year never ends, despite the alcoholism and
From Sea to Sea
city that flowered before the earthquake, and the
1976
breakdown rates, the busing and ghetto issues, the
1899
entirely different one that rose from the flames. What
complacent hustle of city politics. It's possible to
114
115
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
"The thing that makes me so sad in San Francisco is
***
"Why sinners are so thick that you can't throw out:
"Well, it hasn't taken long to fall in love with San
the kids. All those sad-eyed children, hippies."
"San Francisco has a lovely sense of the absurd,
your line without hooking several of them."
Francisco."
Resident
preserved in the artful foolishness of old Victorian
Mark Twain
T.H.White
Quoted by Douglas Kneeland
houses and the ding-dong cable cars, sure cures for
Californian (San Francisco newspaper)
New York Times
America At Last
depression."
1865
1965
Nov. 15, 1970
Neal R. Peirce
***
***
***
The Pacific States of America
"
"Even tainted as it is with narcissism, the conformity
1972
the one pioneer American community where
[After cross-country tour] "I believe this is the
of San Francisco is more interesting than are the
Puritanism was never permitted to intimidate the
happiest city we have visited."
***
wilder sprees of most cities."
gusto and zest for living of healthy men."
T. H. White
"The diversity of this city of light and color has
Neil Morgan
George P. West
America At Last
attracted, from others, words like these: Mediterra-
These United States
1965
Westward Tilt
nean, Renaissance, Athens of America, a place of
1924
***
1963
joie de vivre, elegant, witty."
***
***
Neal R. Peirce
"San Francisco is the only city I can think of that
"If San Francisco cannot resist conformity, the threat
The Pacific States of America
"Contrast and surprise lurk around every corner, and
could survive all the things people are doing to it and
of sameness is grave throughout the West."
1972
the city's people are sensitive and untiringly appre-
still look beautiful."
***
ciative of every beauty, every contrast, every grotes-
Frank Lloyd Wright, architect
Neil Morgan
Westward Tilt
"For several years after the California gold rush, San
querie. They love their city as a man loves a woman
Quoted in Newsweek
1963
Francisco was notorious around the world for the
of many moods and surprises."
Dec. 28, 1970
***
frequency and magnificence of its municipal disas-
George P. West
"Fancy a novel about Chicago or Buffalo, let us say,
ters. Time and again, devastating fires swept through
These United States
The Sierra Nevadas
or Nashville, Tennessee! There are just three big
the business district."
1924
Richard Reinhardt
***
cities in the United States that are 'story cities'-New
"One noble feature of the whole Sierra-of all of it
York, of course, New Orleans, and, best of the lot,
American Heritage
"Chinatown [in San Francisco] is now adored by a
save that which lies above the level of any vegetable
San Francisco."
December, 1971
people who stoned Chinese a generation ago, only to
life-is its magnificent forest-covering. It may well
Frank Norris, author,
***
discover, after the exclusion act had removed them as
be doubted if the growth of forests of pine is ever
Quoted by O. Henry
an economic factor, that they are a singularly honest,
seen in greater perfection than is found here. These
"Perhaps we will live in our suburban wastelands
Great American Short Stories
and pilgrimage, periodically, to enclaves of reality
humorous, and lovable folk."
tall, straight, noble shafts are the very king of trees.
1910
like San Francisco, where, by then, they may have
George P. West
They are magnificent in size, as they are admira-
decided to add more cable cars and ban the automo-
These United States
ble in proportion. No mast or spar ever shaped by
"San Francisco put on a show for me. I saw her
bile entirely, and where, in the sun of day and the
1924
men's hands exceeds the already perfect grace of
across the Bay, from the great road that bypasses
fading light of evening, grown-ups may happily play.
***
their straight, unbroken trunks. They are things to
Sausalito and enters the Golden Gate Bridge. The
Richard Rhodes
study for their mere beauty as individual trees, apart
"But the city would be hideous if its streets were not
afternoon sun painted her white and gold on her hills
from their effect upon the general landscape, which
Harper's Magazine
forever marching up sheer hillsides or plunging down
like a noble city in a happy dream. A city on hills has
November, 1970
even without them would be wild and picturesque
from dizzy heights to the flashing sea, so that the
it over flatland places. New York makes its own hills
enough."
***
poorest Italian on Telegraph Hill knows the imminent
with craning buildings, but this gold and white
E. L. Burlingame
"When I was a child growing up in Salinas we called
glory of far-flung waters and encircling hills, and
acropolis rising wave on wave against the blue of the
Picturesque America
San Francisco 'the City.' Of course it was the only
breathes clean winds from afar."
Pacific sky was a stunning thing, a painted thing like
1872
city we knew, but I still think of it as the City, and so
George P. West
a picture of a medieval Italian city which can never
***
have existed."
does everyone else who has ever associated with it."
These United States
"From the cemetery you can see the evergreen slope
Neal R. Peirce
John Steinbeck
1924
of Baldy Mountain, Sun Valley's most famous ski
***
The Pacific States of America
Travels with Charley
hill. And from Baldy Mountain the Sawtooths rise
1972
1962
"The crows pick little yellow apples from the old
into view, green and white and breathless to behold."
***
***
tree by the shed and carry them to some high perch
Ralph Friedman
"But inexorable physical change is pressing in on
"This straggling town [San Francisco] shall become
before rifling them for seeds. In this respect they are
United Mainliner
San Francisco, threatening what some call
a vast metropolis: this sparsely populated land shall
no different from the people of San Francisco, who
1966
'Manhattanization'-the brutalization of its uniquely
become a crowded hive of busy men: your waste
like to drink at the Top of the Mark [Mark Hopkins
***
delicate skyline with sterile, forbidding monuments
of glass and steel twice as high as anything that
places shall blossom like a rose."
Hotel], where they can really see what they are
"The Sierra Nevadas lack the glorious glaciers, the
Mark Twain
doing."
frequent rains, the rich verdure, the abundant cata-
precedes them and [that] are totally out of scale with
Alta Californian
E. B. White
racts of the Alps; but they far surpass them-they
the existing hills and city setting."
1866
"Home-Coming"
surpass any other mountains I ever saw-in the
Neal R. Peirce
Essays of E. B. White
wealth and grace of their trees. Look down from
The Pacific States of America
***
1955
almost any of their peaks, and your range of vision is
1972
[On efforts of clergymen to reform San Francisco]:
***
filled, bounded [sic], satisfied, by what might be
116
117
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
termed a tempest-tossed sea of evergreens, filling
head is off, another of the same shape immediately
the end of the journey, the lofty Sierra Nevada,
eties, poetry magazines, poetry breakfasts, and po-
every upland valley, covering every hillside, crown-
begins to grow on. Every bud and branch seems
seamed by often-impassable canyons."
etry weekends. In Los Angeles, there are poetry
ing every peak but the highest with their unfading
excited, like bees that have lost their queen, and tries
George R. Stewart
lanes, poetry shrines, and poetry gardens."
luxuriance."
hard to repair the damage. Branches that for many
The California Trail
Carey McWilliams
Horace Greeley
centuries have been growing out horizontally at once
1962
Southern California Country
An Overland Journey
turn upward, and all their branchlets arrange them-
1946
1859
selves with reference to a new top of the same
***
***
peculiar curve as the old one."
Southern California
"In Southern California the vegetables have no fla-
"A conspiracy of climate, geology and history has
John Muir
vor, and the flowers have no smell."
made the western side of the Sierras, between 5000
My First Summer in the Sierras
"This is shopping-center country. Nowhere on earth,
and 8000 feet above the sea, the theater of organic
1911
they say, are more shopping centers more heavily
Hollywood proverb
Quoted by H. L. Mencken
size."
***
concentrated than in this long, wide Santa Clara
A New Dictionary of Quotations, On Historical
Verna Johnston
"The Sierra Nevada tends to unite Californians in
Valley. They proliferate like suburban weeds."
Principles
Sierra Nevada
some sense of community. In its alpine fastness, one
Stephen Birmingham
1942
1970
cannot escape the feel of history. Here lies an un-
The Golden Dream
*
***
yielding, unchanging California in contrast with the
1978
"In Southern California, the Mexican-American is
"In contrast to the Appalachians the Sierra is a young
one below."
***
not the target of prejudice that he is in Texas. He is in
range, lifted skyward almost yesterday."
Neal R. Peirce
"This [Southern California] is the California where
a kind of limbo."
Verna Johnston
The Pacific States of America
it is possible to live and die without ever eating an
Sierra Nevada
1972
artichoke, without ever meeting a Catholic or a Jew.
Neil Morgan
Westward Tilt
1970
***
This is the California where it is easy to Dial-a-
1963
***
"
Devotion, but hard to buy a book."
a massive faulting of the earth's crust forced the
***
"At your feet lies the great Central Valley glowing
Joan Didion
edge of Nevada down below California and thrust up
golden in the sunshine, extending north and south
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
"One of the most alluring things about Southern
the Sierra Nevada, sheerest of mountain ranges.
farther than the eye can reach, one smooth, flowery,
1968
California is the image in the minds of its people of
Gabriel might have raised it there, barricade before
what this land can be."
lake-like bed of fertile soil. Along its eastern margin
***
paradise."
Richard Rhodes
"When you speak of Southern California taste, you
Neil Morgan
rises the mighty Sierra, miles in height, reposing like
Westward Tilt
a smooth cumulus cloud in the sunny sky, and so
Harper's
think of the ice-cream parlor in the shape of an ice-
1963
gloriously colored and so luminous, it seems not to
1970
cream cone, the hot-dog stand in the shape of a hot
***
be clothed with light. but wholly composed of it, like
dog. But our images are always 10 or 20 years behind
***
the wall of some celestial city."
the reality. A clean, simple line prevails in Southern
"In a short generation they [midwesterners settling
John Muir
"It is no transcendental logic that they [Sierras]
California, enlivened by color in materials, by taste-
in Southern California] have wiped out a Homeric
Mountains of California
teach, and they give no sign of any deliberate moral-
ful landscaping, and interesting patterns in wood-
society of Latins and Indians and replaced it with a
1911
ity in the world. It is rather the vanity and superficial-
exuberance is now generally limited to the gardens
Gopher Prairie de luxe."
***
ity of all logic, the needlessness of argument, the
and the planting."
George P. West
"The Pacific coast in general is the paradise of
finitude of morals, the strength of time, the fertility
Nathan Glazer
These United States
conifers. Here nearly all of them are giants, and
of matter, the variety, the unspeakable variety, of
Commentary
1924
life."
***
display a beauty and magnificence unknown else-
August, 1959
where. The climate is mild, the ground never
George Santayana
***
"The important thing to know about Southern Cali-
freezes, and moisture and sunshine abound all the
Speech in Berkeley, California
"Reagan and his organizers saw (as the Democratic
fornia is that the people who live there, who grew up
year. Nevertheless, it is not easy to account for the
1911
liberals did not) that the mega-people of Southern
there, love it. Not just the way one has an attachment
colossal size of the sequoias. The largest are about
***
California are potentially radical, not merely status-
to a hometown, any hometown, but the way people
three hundred feet high, and thirty feet in diameter."
"If the philosophers had lived among your moun-
quo minded. They don't want more; they want dif-
love the realization that they have found the right
John Muir
ferent."
mode of life."
tains their systems would have been different from
My First Summer in the Sierras
what they are."
Andrew Kopkind
James Q. Wilson
1911
George Santayana
The New Republic
Commentary
***
Speech in Berkeley, California
July 15, 1967
May, 1967
"It is a curious fact that all the very old sequoias have
1911
***
lost their heads by lightning. 'All things come to him
"In a strenuous effort to force some poetry out of the
Yosemite
***
who waits'; but of all living things sequoia is perhaps
region the three thousand poets of Southern Califor-
the only one able to wait long enough to make sure of
"Beyond the Rocky Mountains, over a distance of a
nia have banded together into a network of organiza-
"I know no single wonder of nature on earth which
being struck by lightning. Thousands of years it
thousand miles, there was no road and not even an
tions that structurally resembles the National Associ-
can claim a superiority over the Yosemite. Just dream
stands ready and waiting, offering its head to every
established trail. The emigrants must expose them-
ation of Manufacturers. There are more poets per
yourself for one hour in a chasm nearly 10 miles
passing cloud as if inviting its fate, praying for
selves to attack by powerful Indian tribes. They must
square mile in Southern California than in any other
long, with egress, save for birds and water, but at
heaven's fire as a blessing; and when at last the old
scale high and rough mountains-particularly, near
section of the United States. They have poetry soci-
three points, up the face of precipices from 3,000 to
118
119
CALIFORNIA
CHICAGO
4,000 feet high, the chasm scarcely more than a mile
Other Cities, Regions and Places
in the shadow of another. By day, the city can
a boom gone bankrupt, evidence of some irreversible
wide at any point, and tapering to a mere gorge, or
scarcely be distinguished from the palmier shopping
flaw in the laissez-faire small-business ethic."
canyon, at either end, with walls of mainly naked and
Berkeley:
centers of Los Angeles; by night, amber floodlights
Joan Didion
perpendicular white granite, from 3,000 to 5,000 feet
playing on the palms create an atmosphere of warmth
The White Album
high, so that looking up to the sky from it is like
"I wanted to cry when I tasted the air again and
and opulence contrasted with the backdrop of gaunt
1979
looking out of an unfathomable profound-and you
smelled that strange spicy herblike smell [common to
mountains etched against the dark purple desert
will have some conception of Yosemite.
Berkeley] that makes you want to eat the foliage.
sky."
Horace Greeley
John R. Coyne, Jr.
Neal R. Peirce
CHICAGO
An Overland Journey
The Kumquat Statement
The Pacific States of America
1859
1970
1972
Pasadena:
***
"Innumerable spires of the noble yellow pine were
"At Berkeley in the 50s no one was surprised by
displayed rising one above another on the braided
anything at all, a donnee which tended to render
Come with us tonight,
slopes, and yet nobler sugar pines with superb arms
discourse less than spirited, and debate non-
drifters in the drifting crowd,
we shall arrive, late
outstretched in the rich autumn light, while away
existent."
toward the southwest, on the verge of the glowing
Joan Didion
and tired, beyond the false lights of Pasadena
horizon, I discovered the majestic domelike crowns
"On the Morning After the Sixties"
where the living are silent
The White Album
in America."
of big trees towering high over all, singly and in
1979
Philip Levine
Incorporated: 1837
close grove congregations."
"Silent in America"
Population (1980): 3,005,072
John Muir
Malibu:
1965
The Yosemite
From its perch alongside Lake Michigan, Chicago
1912
Malibu tends to astonish and disappoint those
San Jose:
got off to a relatively recent start as a major city.
who have never before seen it, and yet its very name
Because of its importance as a passage point from the
remains, in the imagination of people all over the
There are no landmarks in San Jose."
"Then your eye is smitten by the marvel of Yosemite
Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, however, the
falls. You stand entranced while a river rushes out of
world, a kind of shorthand for the easy life. I had not
Philip Hamburger
city grew swiftly. By 1890 it was the nation's second
before 1971 and will probably not again live in a
An American Notebook
the blue in great spurts like the throbbing of the heart
largest city, a position it still holds-just barely-
place with a Chevrolet named after it."
1965
of the earth. You see it fall half a mile in a rock-
over Los Angeles.
shaking torrent into a land of soft beauty that differs
Joan Didion
Santa Barbara:
Chicago has been a mercantile city from its incep-
from the snowy regions of the valley's rim as Italy
"Quiet Days in Malibu"
tion. Trade and industry formed the city's heart, and
differs from Norway. One never wearies of watching
The White Album
We had just stopped at Santa Barbara and Khrus-
the workers who make up the largely blue-collar
the comets or rockets of water whitened by the
1979
chev had been welcomed by a crowd which, at a
population followed the jobs here. So powerful was
friction of the air. They are continually forming,
minimum, had been kinder to him than Santa Barbara
Chicago's commercial lure that the community
shooting downward and either exploding or fading
"I knew some guys from Malibu once
They take
had been to Harry Truman in 1952."
bounced back almost instantly from the devastating
into mist-wraiths before the end of the first clear
their surfing real seriously out there. I mean, some of
Murray Kempton
fire of 1871.
plunge of 2,600 feet."
those guys even take off their headphones when they
New York Post
Hurly-burly is probably the best way to describe
Robert Haven Schauffler
hit the water."
Sept. 21, 1959
the Chicago character. Politics are rough and seamy,
Romantic America
David Hinckley
but filled with a cigar-smoking gusto not found
1913
New York Daily News
'Way out in California
elsewhere today. The city's pleasures are more at the
Nov. 19, 1981
Upon a hill so tall
level of drinking beer and polkaing than sipping wine
*
Was the town of Santa Barbara,
and ballroom dancing. Not that Chicago is entirely a
"I could give the reader a vivid description of the
Mt. Shasta:
That they thought would never fall."
working-class town; its Magnificent Mile along
marvels of Yosemite-but what has this reader done
Folk song, "Santa Barbara Earthquake"
Michigan Avenue is arguably the most elegant street
"Mount Shasta-pine lands, canyons, sweeps and
in the country. Still, even the local aristocracy enjoy
to me that I should persecute him?"
Mark Twain
rises, the naked crateric hills and the volcanic lava
recorded from singing of Vester Whitworth at
FSA camp, Arvin, Calif.
the city's image as a gruff, brawling place, the can-
Roughing It
masses, and then, Mount Shasta, omnipresent
1940
do city.
1872
Mount Shasta all the time-always Mount Shasta.
Thomas Wolfe
A Western Journal
THE CITY
1938
Santa Monica
[On a trip to Yosemite]: "Dizzy masses night-black
"No city ever owed its poets more. No poet could
as a cloud, a sense of the imminent terrific and at
It [the rain] streamed down the blank windows of
owe any city less."
length the valley of the Yosemite."
Palm Springs:
unleased offices, loosened the soft coastal cliffs and
Nelson Algren
Thomas Wolfe
heightened the most characteristic Santa Monica ef-
Who Lost An American?
A Western Journal
"Like its Los Angeles parent, Palm Springs is low
fect, that air of dispirited abandonment which sug-
1963
1938
and slung-out; a shadow law prohibits any building
gests that the place survives only as an illustration of
120
121
Gran
Micha
1990
OLITICS
AMERICAN
OF
ALMANAC
THE
HIDI
CALIFORNIA
69
J. of
a).
CALIFORNIA
Cnty.
971-
In the days after Pearl Harbor, almost 50 years ago, many Americans thought California would
ildg.,
be next. "People stacked sandbags against public buildings to prepare for an aerial attack and
Bluff
glued blackout paper to the windows of their homes in the case of night raids," writes historian
501-
John Patrick Diggins. "In Los Angeles and San Francisco civil defense wardens enforced
curfews and police followed up rumors of spy networks in Japanese neighborhoods, while at
itees:
night cars crept without lights along coastal highways. On bluffs and oceanfront rooftops people
and
vigilantly tried to sight the enemy." Rumors flew: the Japanese fleet was 164 miles from
Monterey, there were 34 Japanese ships between Los Angeles and San Francisco, periscopes
were seen off beaches. A wacky general, John DeWitt, one of those later responsible for forcing
Japanese Americans into internment camps, announced breathlessly that Japanese airplanes
had flown over San Francisco Bay area on the night of December 8, though they unaccountably
didn't drop any bombs.
EI
The fears were mostly baseless. A few balloon-borne bombs landed in an Oregon forest, and
21
later there was some light shelling of the Santa Barbara oil fields. But, as J. Edgar Hoover
8
argued without effect at the time, there was never any evidence of sabotage or disloyalty by
Japanese Americans. Unfortunately, in the hysterical months that followed, demands from the
Army and from California politicians resulted in their internment-a blight on America's
reputation which was assuaged by apology and and redress law of 1988.
This fear and hysteria arose in a part of America that felt disconnected from the rest of the
country. "California is an island," Carey McWilliams wrote in the 1940s, America's lightly
populated outpost on the Pacific, with only 7 million of the country's 131 million people,
thousands of miles across plains, mountains and desert from thickly settled parts of the country
AGN
and separated from Japan only by the open waters of the Pacific. It was an affluent island in the
AGN
AGN
early 1940s, and one unmistakably American in its culture-yet also a bit bizarre. Farming and
FOR
oil, extractive industries, were the basis of a still colonial economy: California imported most of
its finished goods and lived off its natural resources. Its people, leapfrogging the continent, had
come from all over: Yankee stock migrants from the Midwest predominated, southerners
),155)
(except for the Okies of the late 1930s) were relatively few, European immigrants included the
1,393)
Italian fishermen of San Francisco's North Beach and refugees and expatriate intellectuals like
Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht in Los Angeles.
9,169)
"Sociologically detached from the rest of the country," McWilliams wrote, "California
3,134)
functions in its own right, has its own patterns of political behavior, and exists as a kind of
sovereign empire by the westerh shore." Politically, this empire was ancestrally Republican,
ideologically progressive, quickly embracing and quickly discarding nostrums like the End
Poverty in California program that made Upton Sinclair the Democratic nominee for governor
in 1934 (he lost when FDR among others renounced him), and the "$30 Every Thursday"
proposal of a group called Ham and Eggs that got 45% in a 1938 referendum. It voted for
Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and at home for progressive Republicans like Hiram
Johnson and Earl Warren.
It is a long way from that California to the California of today. The change began explosively
in the war, when California became one of the great defense industry states of the nation,
making steel and aluminum for the first time, building ships and airplanes by the thousands.
Millions of Americans came here, and millions stayed; California's economy was expected to
collapse when the big firms shut down after the war; instead, as urbanologist Jane Jacobs points
70
CALIFORNIA
It suggests to me, unexpectedly, 1
CALIFORNIA - Congressional Districts, Countles, and Selected Places - (45 Districts)
1
125*
2
124*
3
123"
4
122"
3
121"
6
120"
7
119"
6
118"
0
117"
10
116"
"
115*
12
114'
13
113"
14
lace, the clockmakers and the ar
the Japanese are known for th
A
A
DREGON
42"
stagehands, plastic molders and
42"
DE.
LEGEND
at what they do. There is somethi
MORTE
SIGNATURE
B
MODOC
B
2
Congressional district number
unsurprise, but it has made Toky
Congressional district boundery
$
Place O' 100 000 OF more inhabitants
years ago-the leading trading C
41"
.
Place of 50 000 to 100.000 inhabitants
MUMBOL01
-
-
Place of 25 000 to 50.000 inhabitants
past-like Johnson's or Dicken
LAMES
State capital underlined
C
C
Chicago-not the most comforta
2
Them
Notes Places of less than 100 000 inhabitants
§
is choking; and if the Japanese liv
are not shown 5 Alameda Contra Costs.
1
14
LOS Angeles Orange Sacramento
San Mateo and Santa Clara counties
live in stucco houses in tightly-p
D
D
-
BUTTE
Places of less than 50 000 inhabitants
that a midwesterner would find
MENDOCING
are not shown on San Bemardine
San Diego and Ventura counties
COLUMN
-
PLACE
39"
30°
York, but there is some of the S:
at
EL DORADO
3
from the great American interi
E
E
-
Marry
MAINA
Angeles householders have their
RESIGN
6
18
38'
38"
California, as it moves into the
(Part)
TUOLLANE
#
apolitical commonwealth. Busy i
F
FRANC SCO
5,7-13
-
!
MERCHE
on that side of the Pacific Rim ta
MADE #
37"
37"
SANTA
cause
also take for granted the affluen
Cree
-
-
i
G
security that comes from the re
G
SENTO
FRESHO
16
15
Japan, so the hawkish American
36*
36"
ENGS
17
enrich sometimes dovish but alv
I
stations run hours of local news
X
-
-
-
Sacramento; Michael Dukakis, i
i
35"
35'
20
35
possibly the next President of tl
19
-
SANTA -
stories on the newscast. Viewers
I
ANGELES
36
r
-
all-day traffic jam on the Santa 1
34"
34°
MAY
Pain
ARIZONA
in touch with herself or a report
37
INVERSION
J
J
Californians, like Japanese, d
-
21-34
33"
leaders and a gaggle of factiona
33"
38-44
MANDEGO
45
their real business largely unn
SCALE
K
K
0
50
100
150
200 Kilometers
created a self-sustaining system
0
50
100
150
200 Miles
N
32"
from a public which is largely in-
32"
L
of the central cities are over-
L
US Department of Commerce
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
2 124*
123"
a
122"
5
121*
6
120*
7
119"
8
118"
9
117*
10
116"
11
115*
12
114"
13
Congressman Phillip Burton, wh
3
Congressional districts established January 2. 1963 all other boundaries are as of January : 1980
the state's congressional delega
See pages 1443-1448 for additional metropolitan area maps.
million in a state Senate race) a
to, political communication, bec
out, one-eighth of all the new jobs in the nation in the early postwar years were created in greater
lobbyists in Sacramento, and be
Los Angeles. California's growth has had its spurts and pauses, but it was as strong as ever in the
staffers who have the contacts
1980s. As the decade ends, California is a nation-state of 27 million people (after the 1990
money. And so, unwatched, u
Census it will account for a larger share of the nation's population than any state has since 1870),
government is run by America
with the highest living standards and highest productivity in the world, an economy as
cynical-politicians. But there
technically advanced as any that has ever existed, and a gross domestic product that would be
tives and referenda so voters ca:
the sixth highest in the world if it were a separate nation.
property taxes in 1978's Propos
And in many ways California resembles that separate nation, of similar geographic size and
1988's Proposition 103. Affected
even greater population in the seismically active interstices between ocean and mountains and
that they overshadow élections 1
wasteland, across the Pacific: Japan. Both California and Japan are economically creative,
Senate race in California. But $
productive, affluent, hard-working: for as Jan Morris wisely observed, "somewhere near the
At this point California cease-
heart of the L.A. ethos there lies, unexpectedly, a layer of solid, old-fashioned, plain hard work.
Japan believes in active gover
CALIFORNIA
71
It suggests to me, unexpectedly, the guild spirit of some medieval town, where workers in iron or
lace, the clockmakers and the armorers, competed to give the city the glory of their trades." If
the Japanese are known for their fine workmanship, Californians-backup musicians and
stagehands, plastic molders and toy designers-pride themselves quietly on being the very best
at what they do. There is something bloodless about this competence, an air of nonchalance and
unsurprise, but it has made Tokyo and Los Angeles-neither involved in world commerce 150
years ago-the leading trading cities in the world today. But like the great surging cities of the
past-like Johnson's or Dickens's London, like Balzac's Paris or Dreiser's New York and
Chicago-not the most comfortable. In the metropolitan areas of California, as in Japan, traffic
is choking; and if the Japanese live in flimsy houses and cramped apartments, most Californians
live in stucco houses in tightly-packed subdivisions or garden apartments on tiny plots of land
that a midwesterner would find claustrophobic. California may be more spread out than New
York, but there is some of the same surliness and lack of neighborliness in daily life; migrants
from the great American interior are surprised when nobody says hi. More than 40% of Los
Angeles householders have their phone numbers unlisted.
California, as it moves into the 1990s, also has this in common with Japan: it is a profoundly
apolitical commonwealth. Busy in their work, intense in their pursuit of leisure, people on this as
on that side of the Pacific Rim take government for granted and have no time for politics. They
also take for granted the affluence that seems to flow naturally from the soil and the military
security that comes from the resolve of others (for just as American military power defends
Japan, so the hawkish American South provides the votes for the arms buildups that defend and
enrich sometimes dovish but always defense-industry heavy California). The Los Angeles TV
stations run hours of local newscasts each day, but none has a bureau in the state capital of
Sacramento; Michael Dukakis, in California to campaign for the primary and at the time quite
possibly the next President of the United States, had a hard time making the top four or five
stories on the newscast. Viewers are much more interested in the latest drug triple-slaying, the
all-day traffic jam on the Santa Monica Freeway, a soap opera actress telling how she has gotten
in touch with herself or a reporter speculating on whether Elvis is alive.
Californians, like Japanese, delegate the conduct of their government to a few dull, faceless
leaders and a gaggle of factional politicians who provide services to local constituencies but do
their real business largely unnoticed in remote government buildings. These officials have
created a self-sustaining system in which they routinely receive the renewal of their mandate
from a public which is largely indifferent to what they are doing. In California, the liberal voters
of the central cities are over-represented by the creative redistricting plans of the late
Congressman Phillip Burton, which have given liberal Democrats control of the legislature and
the state's congressional delegation. They are also helped because huge sums of money ($2
million in a state Senate race) are needed to reach voters uninterested in, if not actively hostile
to, political communication, because almost all political money for state elections comes from
I in greater
lobbyists in Sacramento, and because most successful candidates for the legislature are former
ever in the
staffers who have the contacts and have made the alliances that are necessary to raise that
the 1990
money. And so, unwatched, unnoticed, little monitored, America's most competent state
nce 1870),
government is run by America's most skillful-but in some cases its most bloodless and
onomy as
cynical-politicians. But there are limits on Sacramento's power. California pioneered initia-
would be
tives and referenda so voters can pass laws the legislature would never dream of: forcing down
property taxes in 1978's Proposition 13, for example, or forcing lower auto insurance rates in
c size and
1988's Proposition 103. Affected economic interests spend freely on these issues in such amounts
ntains and
that they overshadow elections for public office. More than $20 million was spent on the 1988
creative.
Senate race in California. But $81 million was spent on five insurance ballot propositions.
near the
At this point California ceases to be Japan's doppelganger, and the comparison breaks down.
hard work.
Japan believes in active governmental guidance of investment decisions and of allocating
72
CALIFORNIA
economic growth among existing big corporations, while workers feel great loyalty to the
population.
companies that guarantee them lifetime jobs. California believes, inarticulately, that govern-
This urban center deve
ment should provide an infrastructure for economic growth-freeways, huge water supply
and had to build one) or i
systems, a fine system of higher and (at least at one time, and maybe in the future) public
the 1940s) or its historical
education and a network of agricultural research. But its growth has come largely from small
because people have wa.
business units in dozens of industries, with employees moving easily from one job to another, and
somewhat innocent confic
one of the highest rates of self-employment in the country. Japan believes strongly in racial unity
Ronald Reagan in the la
and cultural uniformity. California believes, as much as any place in the world, in racial
spectrum, but as a politic
tolerance and cultural variety, welcoming immigration and cherishing civil liberties. Finally,
under attack from demons
Japan sees itself as living in a cold corner of a hostile planet, where it must make a living selling
1970s, they saw their view
things to people who are distant and different. California, naively and perhaps inaccurately, sees
represented in the ceremor
itself as the sunny center of the world, as the most American state in a world becoming more and
which for the first time wer
more Americanized. Since so much of the world has come to California-check out the ethnic
a 33% profit. Here America
restaurants on Melrose in Los Angeles or Clement in San Francisco-so California has gone out
the blandishments of south
all over the world. Japan assumes that it is hated and California assumes that it is loved; and if
triumph for American valu
the Japanese assumption has the virtue of being more realistic, its pessimism also has the
disadvantage of tending to be self-fulfilling.
War. before Gorbachev and pero
The Japanese have also settled on one strategy of government-keeping the status quo liberal
Just as the Yankees lost t}
Democrats in-while Californians, with a nonchalance that comes from the security of being
southern Californians who i
part of a larger nation, experiment with one form of politics after another. This is the state which
Angeles County, increasing
anticipated the conservative trend of two decades by electing Ronald Reagan as governor in
different values. By the 198(
1966, when conventional wisdom had it that only pro-welfare state Republicans could win in
in the world, and the central
large states. It is the state that elected in 1974 as his successor the prototypical baby boomer
Salvadorans and Vietnamese
politician, Jerry Brown-scorner of luxury, environmentalist and campaign finance reformer,
with whole families working
skeptical about the efficacy of government spending programs and eager to embrace cultural
to the San Fernando Valley
diversity. And it is the state that elected as his successor George Deukmejian in 1982, a colorless
Asians tend to vote for Demo
and steadfast conservative.
Cambodians are pretty solidi
As voters have become less interested in government, support for and opposition to each of
the show-bizzy part of town и
these figures has become a way of making a cultural statement or striking a cultural pose, and
populations, with large numb
differences in lifestyles and personal values explain Californians' voting behavior better than
liberals. And California's bla
anything else. This behavior helps to explain, for example, why the affluent San Francisco media
southwest of downtown L.A
market area produced a 393,000-vote margin for Michael Dukakis, while the equally affluent
American airport known collo
Los Angeles media market produced a 394,000-vote margin for George Bush; why high-income
Los since
Beverly Hills and Marin County are heavily Democratic and working-class Norwalk and
Bakersfield vote Republican. As it happens, each of California's best-known recent political
figures has embodied and represented the cultural values and style of one of the four political
regions of the state which, conveniently, each cast about one-quarter of its votes: Los Angeles
boom when generation, the balance in an sati 02 C
County, the rest of southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, and the rest of the state. for
Personifying southern California is the man who received 63% and 69% of its votes
President, Ronald Reagan. While Los Angeles fills up with immigrants, blacks and singles, the
rest of southern California looks more like the Los Angeles of the 1940s: predominantly white.
de winning: own a baby conflict facto father, Reagan legalization mirrored who had had in been been Brown's of unal elec at Γ.
middle-class, midwestern, although its has more Asians and Hispanics than you might think.
Essentially, the old Los Angeles has grown out past the freeways into Orange County and the
later persuade most Americans mariju that
east end of the Los Angeles basin and out into the desert, out past the San Fernando Valley into
Ventura County, down south of San Juan Capistrano and Camp Pendleton into northern San
Diego County, where it merges with fast-growing San Diego. This is suburbia, but it is also ball
of the nation's second biggest metropolitan agglomeration, with 14 million people, close to New
York's 17 million and far ahead of Chicago's 8 million. It is not farfetched to suppose that early d
allied around California expected, to the "a were world, and noble and living questioning argued by cause." Brown which in "an that seen he Bro' era th m
in the 21st century Los Angeles will be the center of the nation's largest concentration d
people-the first time in history a nation has ever had its greatest city so far from its center
this view of conservatives the world did
the li.
CALIFORNIA
73
yalty to the
population.
that govern-
This urban center developed not because of its location (Los Angeles has no natural harbor
water supply
and had to build one) or its natural resources (it used to export oil but has had to import it since
iture) public
the 1940s) or its historical eminence (Los Angeles had 102,000 people in 1900). It is a great city
y from small
because people have wanted it to be, and southern California reflects the optimism, the
another, and
somewhat innocent confidence, and the know-how of its pioneers. They turned gratefully to
n racial unity
Ronald Reagan in the late 1960s, not as someone who veered off the American political
rld, in racial
spectrum, but as a politician who articulated traditional American values when they seemed
rties. Finally,
under attack from demonstrators on campuses and rioters in ghettos. Further disillusioned in the
living selling
1970s, they saw their views vindicated in Reagan's presidency. Their spirit was most vividly
curately, sees
represented in the ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics, which Reagan opened in Los Angeles and
ing more and
which for the first time were put on not by a government but by private operators who generated
out the ethnic
a 33% profit. Here America was triumphant while the Soviet Union dared not let its athletes see
1 has gone out
the blandishments of southern California, lest they never return: this was not just an artistic
loved; and if
triumph for American values but, in retrospect, the first clear admission by the Soviets, even
also has the
before Gorbachev and perestroika, that they could not compete, that they had lost the Cold
War.
us quo liberal
Just as the Yankees lost their ancient capital of Boston to a majority of Irish Catholics, so the
urity of being
southern Californians who backed Reagan so strongly saw the center of their metropolis, Los
he state which
Angeles County, increasingly become the home of people with different backgrounds and
is governor in
different values. By the 1980s, Los Angeles had become the number one immigrant destination
could win in
in the world, and the central city's population had begun increasing as Mexicans and Koreans,
baby boomer
Salvadorans and Vietnamese began doubling up in refurbished houses in central neighborhoods,
ince reformer,
with whole families working to earn enough to follow so many others out the Hollywood Freeway
brace cultural
to the San Fernando Valley or out the Santa Ana Freeway to Orange County. Hispanics and
82, a colorless
Asians tend to vote for Democrats, but not always and not by large margins; the Vietnamese and
Cambodians are pretty solidly Republican. Hollywood and the west side-the generic name for
ion to each of
the show-bizzy part of town west of Fairfax-are the centers of one of the nation's largest Jewish
tural pose, and
populations, with large numbers of singles and gays, as well; these are cultural-not economic-
or better than
liberals. And California's blacks are concentrated around Watts, in neighborhoods south and
rancisco media
southwest of downtown L.A., along the Harbor Freeway and out toward LAX (the only
qually affluent
American airport known colloquially by its three-letter code).
ly high-income
Los Angeles County, since the 1970s, has provided the core constituency for the politics of
Norwalk and
Jerry Brown-although to satisfy party rules he moved his residence to San Francisco in order to
recent political
be elected state Democratic chairman in early 1989. That was 15 years after he was elected
e four political
governor, when the balance of electoral power in California seemed to be moving toward the
s: Los Angeles
baby boom generation, in an atmosphere of cultural conflict between generations and lifestyles,
st of the state.
a conflict mirrored in Brown's rejection of the New Deal politics and cultural conservatism of his
of its votes for
own father, who had been elected governor in 1958 and 1962. And Brown's side seemed to be
and singles, the
winning: Reagan had been unable to stem the tide of cultural liberation which had produced the
ninantly white,
de facto legalization of marijuana, abortion, prostitution and pornography, quite unable to
u might think.
persuade most Americans that their country's involvement in Vietnam had been, as he would
County and the
later say, "a noble cause." Brown proclaimed that "small is beautiful" and that America and
ndo Valley into
California were living in "an era of limits," suggesting that further economic growth was not to
o northern San
be expected, and argued that the United States mușt accommodate itself to rising movements
ut it is also half
around the world, by which he meant socialist-minded Third-World dictatorships sympathetic or
e, close to New
allied to the Soviets. Brown seemed poised to be the politician of the future, extolling the virtues
pose that early
of high-tech and questioning the verities of both welfare state liberals like Hubert Humphrey
oncentration of
and free market conservatives like Ronald Reagan.
om its center of
Yet this view of the world did not pan out very well. One reason is that the cultural conflicts
74
CALIFORNIA
which accounted for much of his support died off; it turned out that there was room enough in
Jimmy Carter and almos
California for everyone to live as he pleased. Mexican-American kids can parade their low-slung
and costing Carter Calif
cars in East L.A., gays can promenade down San Francisco's Castro Street or in the newly
was 5% weaker, in the B:
incorporated gay-majority West Hollywood, crew cut NCOs can raise large families in Seaside
58%-41% margin. A 5:
or near Camp Pendleton, elderly ex-Iowans can stroll to the shopping center in Orange--and
nobody else minds. A second reason is that voters turned against Brown on some cultural issues.
influenced coast, helped
His hesitancy to use pesticides on the 1981 Medfly infestation infuriated many, and his
as a champion of saving
Dukakis's strong showi
appointee, Chief Justice Rose Bird, who found reasons to overturn every death sentence
conviction that came before her, was ousted by a 2 to 1 vote in 1986. A third reason is that
Angeles County (52%-47
big margin for Bush in th
California's economy-and America's-performed much better than its critics expected. True,
in the interior (54%-449
the growth was in large part the product of small business units of the sort Brown championed
and it also owed much to government-and had since Earl Warren kept taxes high during World
national percentage, and
baby boom generation CO
War II to pay for the schools and highways he thought California would need after the war. But
growth also produced a yearning for affluence that Brown had little use for, a desire that helps to
unanimous but still signi
California, and that Cal
explain the success of Proposition 13 in 1978. This undid Brown, for in opposing 13 with the
presidential election since
same arguments as welfare state liberals, he seemed untrue to his own principles and as cynical
caution needs to be added.
as the politicians who rode in the limousines he eschewed. His support collapsed: after winning
59% in California's 1976 Democratic presidential primary, he got only 4% four years later.
The redistributionist polici
trade policies that are th
When he ran for the Senate in 1982, he won only 51% of the primary vote against such giants as
novelist Gore Vidal, a state senator from Orange County, and the mayor of Fresno; he lost the
probably vote-losers in Cal
was strongest, but in 1988
general election to the little-known Pete Wilson, then mayor of San Diego, by an unambiguous
52%-45% margin. Brown got himself elected Democratic state chairman in early 1989,
showing the Japanese flag,
prompted by voter-approved campaign finance laws that make the parties the chief conduits of
shown in his state. Califorr
on commerce and on cont
political money in state races; but this was an inside maneuver of the sort he scorned in the past,
Pacific Rim. Those who lo
and there was no indication that his popularity with the voters had recovered.
In state politics the key figure for the 1980s, much to everyone's surprise, turned out to be
for a new liberal majority
George Deukmejian, a state senator from Long Beach who was elected attorney general in 1978
other states essential to the
against a black congresswoman opposed to the death penalty and who narrowly defeated Los
They must remember as
Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley for the Senate in 1982. In that race the key votes were cast in
Republican Party has grow
3.4 million in 1978 to 5.4
the quarter of the state outside the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco media markets-
namely the interior valley and mountain regions. This turned out to be California's high-growth
Democrats has increased f I
area, populated by young families who headed from the smoggy outer reaches of the Los
signed-up more than 60% o
Angeles basin, with its crime-ridden freeways and drug-infested public schools, for the cleaner
into votes, for in the 1970s a
and culturally more traditional climes of the old Mother Lode country in the foothills of the
Republicans a can translat
Sierra, in the growing Sacramento area, and parts of the vast Central Valley. When issues were
years ago and
Meanwhile, in this apolit
body of prim
economic, and when the Democratic nominee was not identified with the cultural liberalism of
Hollywood or San Francisco, as in the 1976 presidential race, this non-metropolitan California
voted Democratic. But in 1982, against Los Angeles's mayor, and with a gun control referendum
on the ballot that brought out many opponents in rural counties, Deukmejian carried the interior
1
of California by a 55%-40% margin. (The coastal counties, filling up with liberals leaving the
them the to vote even before
mailings to
Bay area and L.A., trended in the other direction and voted 50%-47% for Bradley.)
As for the San Francisco Bay area, it has no better personification than Assembly Speaker in
majority of votes cast ele
registration laws, but any R
Willie Brown, a far more vivid political figure and on occasion a more powerful one
Sacramento than Deukmejian. The Bay area, one of the most affluent parts of the world, is also
margins In among the absentees on
politically one of the most liberal-if the liberalism in question is cultural rather than economic
1988 the Dukakis
For years not just San Francisco, but the East Bay and the Peninsula, and even prosaic-looking
suburbs, have attracted those who felt their personal lifestyles were not accepted elsewhere
who relished an atmosphere of revolt-gays and perpetual graduate students, radicals and
perennial rebels. The Bay area is environmentalist and dovish, but not much interested in income
new big growing Brown. precinct to finish A chairmen their major quotas-and target in of the campai the is to 25,0 ele ai re S
redistribution or helping the poor. So in 1976, the Bay area had little use for Southern Baptist
area and targets may be
CALIFORNIA
75
hough in
Jimmy Carter and almost preferred Betty Ford's husband, voting only 50%-46% Democratic-
ow-slung
and costing Carter California's electoral votes. In 1988, while nationally the Democratic ticket
newly
was 5% weaker, in the Bay area it was far stronger, as Michael Dukakis led George Bush by a
Seaside
58%-41% margin. A 58%-40% Bay area margin, plus an edge in the increasingly Bay-
ge-and
influenced coast, helped save Senator Alan Cranston's seat in 1986, as he campaigned primarily
issues.
as a champion of saving California's environment.
and
his
Dukakis's strong showing in the Bay area and the coast (50%-48%), and his carrying of Los
sentence
Angeles County (52%-47%), were almost enough to enable him to carry California, despite the
is
that
big margin for Bush in the south outside L.A. County (63%-36%) and the smaller Bush margin
True,
in the interior (54%-44%). Overall, Bush carried California by only 51%-48%, less than his
impioned
national percentage, and one of his weaker showings in a big state. This is evidence that, as the
World
baby boom generation continues to mature, and as Hispanics and Asians produce less-than-
war.
But
unanimous but still significant Democratic margins, national Democrats can hope to carry
helps
to
California, and that California, despite the fact that it has voted Republican in every
with
the
presidential election since 1964 could be part of a Democratic electoral college majority. But a
cynical
caution needs to be added. The liberalism that appeals to California is cultural, not economic.
winning
The redistributionist policies that may appeal to farmers in Iowa or blacks in Michigan and the
ars
later.
trade policies that are thought to appeal to factory workers in Pennsylvania and Ohio are
giants as
probably vote-losers in California. In the 1940s it was in California where anti-Japanese feeling
e lost the
was strongest, but in 1988 it was the Ohio Dukakis coordinator who produced a TV spot on trade
nbiguous
showing the Japanese flag, while the California Dukakis coordinator made darn sure it was not
ly 1989,
shown in his state. Californians, however liberal, are aware that their affluence depends heavily
nduits of
on commerce and on continued trade with those other nation-states on the other side of the
the past,
Pacific Rim. Those who look hopefully and with some reason to California as a building block
for a new liberal majority must reckon with the differences between its liberalism and that of
out to be
other states essential to their strategy.
1 in 1978
They must remember as well that in the 1980s, as the post-baby boom voters come of age, the
ated Los
Republican Party has grown stronger. The number of registered Republicans has grown from
re cast in
3.4 million in 1978 to 5.4 million in 1988, while in the same period the number of registered
arkets-
Democrats has increased from 5.7 million to 7.0 million; in other words, Republicans have
h-growth
signed-up more than 60% of net new registrants. Those numbers don't automatically translate
the Los
into votes, for in the 1970s a lot of registered Democrats had voted Republican already for major
: cleaner
office; but they can translate into greater strength in down-the-line contests, and they give the
Is of the
Republicans a body of primary voters that comes closer to representing the broader electorate.
ues were
Meanwhile, in this apolitical commonwealth, where political machines were outlawed 75
ralism of
years ago and media campaigning started 35 years ago, both political parties are trying to
alifornia
reinvent organizational politics, in different ways. The Republicans are relying on money,
erendum
technology and management techniques to get out their vote, using phone banks to identify their
= interior
potential voters, mailings to communicate with them, and absentee ballot applications to get
ving the
them to vote even before anyone goes to the polls. Ironically, it was Democrats who liberalized
the registration laws, but Republicans who took advantage of them: Thomas Bradley got a
Speaker
majority of votes cast on election day 1982, but George Deukmejian won because of his big
I one in
margins among the absentees. The Democrats' strategy is to reinvent the precinct organization.
d, is also
In 1988 the Dukakis campaign and the state Democratic Party hired 500 organizers to recruit
conomic.
precinct chairmen in the 25,000 precincts-they even had ceremonies where they took an oath
:-looking
to finish their quotas-and such efforts are being promised by the new state chairman Jerry
where of
Brown. A major target is to register blacks and the Hispanics and Asians who are bound to be a
cals and
growing percentage of the electorate; such efforts are likely to be more successful than in other
1
income
big states, since the targets are not those who have failed to vote in the past but those who are
Baptist
new to the area and may be ready to participate. The Democrats' organizational efforts were
76
CALIFORNIA
probably worth a couple of points in 1988. In a state with some excruciatingly close races,
Ronald Reagan ever got in Calit
Cranston was reelected in 1986 and Deukmejian won his first term as governor in 1982 by 49%-
ceremony; he is not close to othe
48% margins. Politicians from both parties have an incentive to innovate and organize where
attorney general and 16 years in
they have not before.
staff and, mostly, to his principle
A case can be made that California's decline in political interest is a sign of health. Hostilities
sticking to his promise of no new
between different cultural groups produced a politics of enthusiasm and nomination victories for
post-tax reform shortfall, he prop
ideological candidates like Barry Goldwater in 1964 and George McGovern in 1972, neither of
Critics charged that the state wa
whom would have been nominated if they had not won California's then winner-take-all
for it with a weaker economy and
presidential primary; as those hostilities have declined, California primaries have produced
become the gold at the end of th
more moderate winners, like Pete Wilson and Ed Zschau, and general elections have produced
Deukmejian also made some m
divided government, in which Deukmejian is checked by Speaker Willie Brown, while Bradley is
state worker health and safety pr
balanced by a conservative Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Republican
into a close state Senate race and
Presidents by a supertalented Democratic congressional delegation. The result is a government
unsuccessful in getting Congressi
fiscally restrained and culturally tolerant, but ready at the same time to pump more money into
late Jesse Unruh. Lungren was blc
education and to insist on stricter standards for students, sterner restrictions on drug use, and
compensation to victims of the J.
tougher penalties for crime. California, as it approaches the 1990s, after all, is a story of success
become a power in the investme
and not of failure. Its supple and strong economy, its capacity and willingness to welcome
California's pension billions. Prot
newcomers and help them rise, its tolerance of eccentricity but insistence on standards, are all in
defeat of Rose Bird and two other
the best of American traditions. They show what many Americans in the 1960s and 1970s
new appointments that would make
forgot, that America works; and if Californians are less interested in politics and less inclined to
1940, for the first time a bastion of
call on government than they were in more troubled times, that is perhaps not cause for despair.
prisoners in California, in line with
Presidential politics. For most of the 1980s California did not seem to count much in
These setbacks did not hurt De
presidential politics. Its primary, coming at the end of the season, was pivotal in 1964 and 1972.
could have been reelected in 1990
Since then it has produced such winners as Jerry Brown, Edward Kennedy and Gary Hart for
gnashing of teeth among Republica
the Democrats, and has been won without serious contest by Ronald Reagan three times. Its
and, with control of the legislature,
1988 winners were Michael Dukakis and George Bush-after they had already clinched their
the 1970s and 1980s. For that reas
nominations. It's possible that California could play a critical role in 1992, but unlikely unless it
leaders, who were afraid that a litt]
is rescheduled. Otherwise, it's likely to result in the renomination of George Bush and the
rules to compete.
ratification of whoever has emerged as the leading Democratic opponent of Jesse Jackson-if he
The one Democrat clearly in the
decides to run again for President.
In the general election, California may be more pivotal-and could easily have been in 1988 if
likely to run is former (1978-87) S
Controller Gray Davis, a former top
general holds an office that is easily
the national race had gone a little differently. The fact that California ended up Republican by
small margins in the close elections of 1960, 1968 and 1976, and that it gave Ronald Reagan two
Reagan and Jerry Brown left Sac:
are rather colorless politicians-wh
easy victories in 1980 (53%-36%) and 1984 (58%-41%) led many to chalk it up as straight
Republican. But its liberal trend on cultural issues made it competitive in 1988 and, though it
finally went for George Bush, may already have had its effect on public policy. Republican
national chairman and Bush campaign manager Lee Atwater noticed the trend in California
during the primary season, and the even stronger trend in Oregon and Washington, both of a
which Dukakis ultimately carried, and it may have contributed to George Bush's calling for
"kinder, gentler" nation. Certainly the Bush Republicans are not conceding the black, Hispanic,
Brown's sister opposed could may governor, Kamp get of attract will conservative sister a in primary and the not multiple primary be the running opponent, jockeying columnist, entrants. by for Angela and reelect for Pat Trea the ot} (B B
Asian and baby boom voters who are the Democrats' hopes for carrying California.
The 1988 election had one additional result worth noting. Despite the carping of West Coast
likely to be some Kathleen. turnover These in the office:
politicians about the network projections of the election winner, California has usually produced is
One who will not be capi
a higher than average percentage for the loser of the presidential election, and it did so again
1988. It's possible that Dukakis won a plurality among West Coast voters who went to the polls
on election day, and that Bush's narrow margin was due entirely to absentees.
Governor. At the beginning of the 1980s, few would have picked George Deukmejian as the the
hoping to overt post legislators were political ropes, and his prominence by prepared the a man Democrats' leaving whose to in run Jesse Sacram state agai: 44- Ja
man who would stand astride California state government for most of the decade; but as
decade was ending there he was, in place and on top. His first victory over Tom Bradley in 1983 than
office to 47-33, eliminating and the Brown who wa-
was by the narrowest of margins; his second in 1986 was won with a higher percentage
space together in the leverage same of br-
CALIFORNIA
77
se races,
Ronald Reagan ever got in California. Deukmejian is orderly and aloof, a believer in pomp and
by 49%-
ceremony; he is not close to other officials, not even Republicans though he spent four years as
ze where
attorney general and 16 years in the legislature in Sacramento. He sticks closely to a tight-knit
staff and, mostly, to his principles. His first term was marked by his stubbornness and success in
Hostilities
sticking to his promise of no new taxes; in his second term, when the state was facing a $1 billion
tories for
post-tax reform shortfall, he proposed a tax increase in 1988 and then had to back away from it.
either of
Critics charged that the state was neglecting education, highways and research, and would pay
r-take-all
for it with a weaker economy and slower growth in the 1990s. Deukmejian replies that "we have
produced
become the gold at the end of the rainbow."
produced
Deukmejian also made some mistakes. He angered many by abolishing without any notice the
Bradley is
state worker health and safety program; organized labor retaliated by pumping crucial money
publican
into a close state Senate race and putting the issue on the 1988 ballot and winning. And he was
vernment
unsuccessful in getting Congressman Dan Lungren confirmed as state treasurer to replace the
oney into
late Jesse Unruh. Lungren was blocked in the state Senate, largely because he opposed monetary
use, and
compensation to victims of the Japanese American internment in World War II. Unruh had
f success
become a power in the investment world by keeping careful control over the investment of
welcome
California's pension billions. Probably one of Deukmejian's more notable successes was the
are all in
defeat of Rose Bird and two other Supreme Court justices in the 1986 election, which gave him
nd 1970s
new appointments that would make the California Supreme Court, dominated by liberals since
clined to
1940, for the first time a bastion of judicial conservatism. And he was proud that the number of
r despair.
prisoners in California, in line with national trends, nearly doubled since he came to office.
much in
These setbacks did not hurt Deukmejian much with the voters, however, and he probably
nd 1972.
could have been reelected in 1990. But he chose to retire instead. This caused considerable
Hart for
gnashing of teeth among Republicans, who fear that the Democrats will regain the governorship
imes. Its
and, with control of the legislature, will control redistricting for the 1990s as Phil Burton did for
hed their
the 1970s and 1980s. For that reason Senator Pete Wilson was trotted forward by Republican
unless it
leaders, who were afraid that a little-known candidate couldn't raise the money under the new
and the
rules to compete.
on-if he
The one Democrat clearly in the race in early 1989 was John Van de Kamp, who as attorney
general holds an office that is easily portrayed as divorced from politics; a possible contender is
n 1988 if
Controller Gray Davis, a former top aide to Brown; a bit more colorful and considerably more
olican by
likely to run is former (1978-87) San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. All except Feinstein
agan two
are rather colorless politicians-which seems to be what California has wanted since Ronald
straight
Reagan and Jerry Brown left Sacramento. Leo McCarthy is running again for lieutenant
hough it
governor, and the jockeying for other California statewide offices chould be fierce: Van de
publican
Kamp will not be running for reelection as attorney general, Secretary of State March Fong Eu
alifornia
may get a primary opponent, and the new insurance commissioner post set up by Proposition 13
both of
could attract multiple entrants. Treasurer Thomas Hayes is a civil servant type who may be
ing for a
opposed in the primary by Angela (Bay) Buchanan, former Treasurer of the United States and
Hispanic,
sister of conservative columnist, Pat Buchanan. If he were to win that election he may face Jerry
Brown's sister Kathleen. These offices may attract some of the state legislators and so there is
st Coast
likely to be some turnover in the capital.
produced
One who will not be leaving Sacramento, it seems, is Willie Brown. In 1988 he seemed on the
again in
ropes, and his prominence in Jesse Jackson's campaign seemed an attempt to make a national
the polls
political career by a man whose state career seemed in decline. A "Gang of Five" Democratic
legislators were prepared to run against him, and Assembly Minority Leader Pat Nolan was
in as the
hoping to overturn the Democrats' 44-36 majority. But after the election it was Nolan who lost
it as the
his leadership post and Brown who was stronger than ever. The Democrats increased their lead
in 1982
to 47-33, eliminating the leverage of the Gang of Five (who, one might guess, were assigned
age thas
office space together in the same broom closet), and reducing downward toward zero the
78
CALIFORNIA
Republicans' chances of gaining control of the Assembly in 1990. The Democrats also have a
drinking problem to ch.
strong position (24-15) in the state Senate.
now beleaguered savin.
Senators. The Senate majority whip, the winner of the second highest number of popular votes
not so much the strong
in Senate history, is Alan Cranston of California. After nearly 40 years in California politics, he
limited talents; and wh-
is clearly a survivor. But he is not quite the power these facts suggest. His most recent victory, in
became Democratic wh
1986, was actually the biggest upset in the 1986 elections and the product of one of the
Since his 1984 camp:
shrewdest campaigns of recent times. After his humiliating 1984 presidential campaign, he had
the road in 1983 and 1'
looked like a goner. He had won nothing more than a victory in a 1983 Wisconsin straw poll-
after the state's econom
and a $2 million debt. He was 72 on election day 1986 and he looked gaunt and haggard, though
1986 he was preoccupie
he has always been in excellent physical shape, and made himself ridiculous by dying his hair a
the Senate, Majority Le
shade of orange. His views on issues seemed out of line with California: his longtime support of
counter. In 1989, new
disarmament seemed irrelevant when the contrary policies of Ronald Reagan seemed to be
South Dakota's Tom D
bringing peace, and his longtime support of generous government spending at home seemed
younger Democrats, wh.
foolish to young affluent voters who believe that markets and entrepreneurs, not governments
beat back opposition frc
and regulators, produce economic growth. And finally, the Republicans nominated the strongest
as chairman of the Vete
possible candidate to oppose him, Silicon Valley Representative Ed Zschau, a successful
In California, Crans:
entrepreneur himself, well-financed, tolerant on cultural issues, assertive on foreign policy and
Democratic organization
market-oriented on economics.
when he turns 78. Crans
But Cranston was not daunted. In 1984 he set about methodically raising money, phone call
into his seventies) and 0
by phone call; he eradicated his debt (while Gary Hart and John Glenn, with much better
things as he once was, he
political prospects, could not eradicate theirs) and by 1986 raised another $10 million or so
than one tenant in the p
besides. He criss-crossed California's small towns in 1985 and remained on the campaign trail-
sense.
which these days means in TV studios and raising money personally on the phone and at
The man who has won
parties-in 1986. The day after the Republican primary, he had ads on the air attacking Zschau
States Congress, could H
for flip-flopping on issues, and kept a running attack on him through November. At the same
not be recognized. He is
time, he used Ansel Adams photographs to identify himself with all the best things in California,
accomplishments. Pete и
and at the last minute sent out 250,000 letters to coastal households on environmental issues.
the Marines and went to
Zschau, a business school graduate who approached campaigning as a management exercise,
was elected assemblyma
eventually counterattacked by calling Cranston a liberal and an opponent of the death penalty
Republican and an enviro
and tough drug laws. But he never got the footing to get across his own positive message, and
supported Gerald Ford 0'
Cranston succeeded early in establishing a negative tone. In that environment, turnout was low
up his name with Reagan
(8% below 1982), and neither candidate got a majority. But Cranston won 50%-47%.
Republican gubernatoria
.Cranston started off in public life in the 1930s; as a young journalist he published an
handicap of being well ki
unexpurgated version of Hitler's Mein Kampf, and in the years after World War II he was a
state's voters, he ran in a
founder of the California Democratic Council, the leading liberal political force in the state. He
the vote, as Pete McClos}
was elected state controller in 1958 and 1962 and U.S. Senator in 1968, an office to which he has
Jr. fizzled, and Robert Dc
been reelected three times. His career has had its ups and downs: he was defeated for controller
seriously. Wilson was the
in the 1966 Reagan gubernatorial landslide, and he won the Senate seat only when the moderate
52%-45%. Six years later.
incumbent, Thomas Kuchel, was defeated in the primary by right-winger Max Rafferty who,
neighborhood of San Fran
despite the revelation that he sat out World War II with an alleged injury and then threw away
years between his first and
his crutches on VJ Day, held Cranston to 52%.
Cranston is part dreamy idealist, part shrewd political operator. He got into politics in the
been reelected to it since
to 5.1 million. In the proce:
1940s as an advocate of world government and remains more interested in arms control than any
How did. he do it? His v
other issue. He favors some form of national service, not necessarily military, for young people.
But he is also an operator. For 15 years his California colleagues in the Senate were men with
been an
with dissents on issues like
rather abstract interests or limited attention spans, and so California constituencies-farmers
Committee and in the sup flo
aerospace companies, banks and savings and loans, labor unions, the entertainment industry, the
new Silicon Valley industries-went to Cranston when they needed help in the Senate. Cranston
andustries and he was one
th:
delivered. When Lockheed needed a federal loan guarantee to stay in business, Cranston
produced the critical vote on the floor by persuading a colleague who later admitted to 8
CALIFORNIA
79
a
drinking problem to change his mind. On the Banking Committee for years he looked out for the
now beleaguered savings and loans. He also became known as a good vote-counter, cultivating
not so much the strongest, best-known Senators as those who are obscure and in some cases of
he
limited talents; and when Robert Byrd moved up to the majority leadership in 1977, Cranston
in
became Democratic whip.
the
Since his 1984 campaign, his career has been in something of an eclipse. While he was out on
ad
the road in 1983 and 1984, he had for the first time a colleague, Pete Wilson, who also looked
after the state's economic interests. No longer was Cranston indispensable. In much of 1985 and
igh
1986 he was preoccupied with his campaign. In 1987, when the Democrats regained control of
ir
a
the Senate, Majority Leader Robert Byrd gave him a cold shoulder; he liked to be his own vote
of
counter. In 1989, new Majority Leader George Mitchell seems to be using as his lieutenant
be
South Dakota's Tom Daschle, who is a contemporary and campaign helper to many of the
ned
younger Democrats, while most of the men Cranston started off with are gone. Cranston easily
nts
beat back opposition from Wendell Ford for the whip post, and he has work that he cares about
gest
as chairman of the Veterans Committee.
sful
In California, Cranston has worked hard on registering voters and developing a new
and
Democratic organization with appeal to Hispanics and Asians. Many assume he will quit in 1992
when he turns 78. Cranston says he is running; he is a physical fitness buff (a champion sprinter
call
into his seventies) and does not seem disposed to retire. If he is not as much at the center of
tter
things as he once was, he retains both his idealistic goals and his insider's skills, and there is more
so
than one tenant in the political graveyard who underestimated his determination and political
il-
sense.
at
The man who has won more votes in a single election than anyone in the history of the United
hau
States Congress, could walk down just about any street in Washington or in his home state and
ame
not be recognized. He is nonetheless a politician of considerable competence and impressive
nia,
accomplishments. Pete Wilson grew up in an affluent part of St. Louis, went to Yale, then joined
ues.
the Marines and went to law school at Boalt Hall in Berkeley; he moved to San Diego, where he
cise,
was elected assemblyman in 1966 and mayor in 1971. His reputation was as a moderate
alty
Republican and an environmentalist, interested in nuts-and-bolts state and local government; he
and
supported Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan in the 1976 presidential primary (better not bring
low
up his name with Reagan even now), opposed Proposition 13 in 1978, and finished fourth in the
Republican gubernatorial primary that year, with 9% of the vote. In 1982, still with the
an
handicap of being well known only in the San Diego media market, which has only 8% of the
as a
state's voters, he ran in a 13-candidate primary field for Senator, and finished first, with 38% of
He
the vote, as Pete McCloskey was unable to expand beyond his Bay area base, Barry Goldwater
has
Jr. fizzled, and Robert Dornan and Maureen Reagan never got well enough known to be taken
oller
seriously. Wilson was then the beneficiary of the unpopularity of Jerry Brown, and beat him
crate
52%-45%. Six years later, he beat Leo McCarthy, who grew up in the same St. Francis Wood
who,
neighborhood of San Francisco as Brown, by the almost identical margin of 53%-44%. In the 10
way
years between his first and his latest statewide race, Wilson increased his vote total from 230,000
to 5.1 million. In the process, he also broke the jinx that has clung to the seat he holds: no one had
1 the
been reelected to it since 1952.
any
How did he do it? His voting record, despite his un-Reaganish past, was mostly pro-Reagan,
ople:
with dissents on issues like offshore drilling, clean air and highways. On military issues, he has
with
been an enthusiastic supporter of the Reagan defense buildup on the Armed Services
ners,
Committee and on the floor-which evidently doesn't hurt in California, with its big defense
1, the
Industries-and he was one of those ready to move the military into the fight against drugs. He is
iston
an SDI enthusiast and the leading opponent of the Midgetman. In 1985, he showed up in
iston
pajamas while recovering from surgery to cast a decisive vote for the balanced budget
to 8
constitutional amendment. He has worked for research on Alzheimer's disease and AIDS, and
80
CALIFORNIA
wants government to do more about transportation and child care. George Will called him "a
turned down by the voters i'
rarity: a conservative who understands the discriminating, but vigorous use of government for
The Burton plan is not quite
conservative purposes."
will tend to understate Repu
He has spent much time working for California interests and on California issues. On the
cast in a few high-income, hig
Agriculture Committee he looks out for California's huge food industry and tries to increase its
in the legislature in the 1980
exports. He was the lead advocate of amendments to the immigration bill allowing in more
lines.
guestworkers for California growers; he took on the chief sponsor of the immigration bill, Alan
In any case, Burton died ir.
Simpson, and won. With less success he tried in 1984 to increase tuna tariffs (the U.S. tuna fleet
The census is expected to g:
is based in San Diego). He worked with Cranston and against some Republicans on the
delegation in history. At leas
California wilderness bill, but broke with him over the Mojave Desert wilderness area; he was
draws the lines: there are no
one of the leaders against offshore oil drilling off California's coast. Wilson was the chief Senate
the key is the governor's race
sponsor of the "wine equity act." He also maintained careful ties with California's entertainment
redistricting, subject only to a
industry, pushing bills to keep the TV networks from sharing syndication profits, to stop foreign
be pressure for a compromise.
pirating of films and videocassettes, and to get favorable transition rules for studios in the 1986
safe seats for most if not quite
tax reform. And he has been a staunch supporter of Israel.
well-placed and powerful Hou:
To all these issues Wilson has brought a strong intellect, a willingness to work hard and master
This is rather remarkable beca
details, and a steely and not terribly pleasant competitiveness. He brought those qualities to
three time zones to California
campaigning as well. With clockwork precision, he raised a record amount of money, calling in
many of the chits he had accumulated, particularly among Los Angeles's usually Democratic
The People: Est. Pop. 1988: 28,1
west side fundraisers. And he spent his money effectively. His opponent was Leo McCarthy, a
11.19% of U.S. total, 1st largest.
similarly quiet but also competent officeholder, a former Assembly speaker and now lieutenant
level. Single ancestry: 8% English
governor, who in California's apolitical environment was scarcely known in any substantive way
Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Scottish,
to the voters. McCarthy made some mistakes in the spring: he attended a fundraiser at which
married couples; 44.1% housing us
Voting age pop. (1980): 17,278.9
anti-nuclear activist Helen Caldicott called Reagan a lunatic and compared Gorbachev to Jesus
Indian. Registered voters (1988)
Christ (statements which McCarthy did not immediately renounce); he was reluctant to release
unaffiliated and minor parties (11'
his income tax returns; he was not endorsed by Dianne Feinstein because he opposed
homeporting the battleship Missouri in San Francisco; he was hurt by his opposition to capital
1988 Share of Federal Tax Burden
punishment and 1986 support of Rose Bird; he was attacked by Wilson for a vote against aid to
the elderly in the legislature. Wilson, meanwhile, was running ads saying he didn't send out
1988 Share of Federal Expenditure
newsletters but gave the money for research on Alzheimer's disease. In November, Wilson ran
slightly better in Los Angeles and the South than he had against Brown, while McCarthy did
Total Expend
better than Brown in the Bay area and the Coast. But the overall result was similar, and one
St/Lcl Grants
$102,366m
11,676m
Wilson would surely settle for if he runs for governor.
If Wilson is elected governor, he will get to pick the next Senator himself. But Wilson's
Procurement Salary/Wages Pymnts to Indiv
16,380m
41,941m
successor will serve only two years and so will come up for reelection, to a two-year term, in 1992.
Alan Cranston's term expires then too, and so it is possible that California will have two Senate
Research/Other
29,457m
2,913m
races, one with an incumbent with less than two years' service, the other, either with no
incumbent or with one who will be 78 years old. The incentive for ambitious politicians to run
Gray Davis (D). State Senate, 40 (-
March Fong Eu (D); Atty. Gen., Jo'
Political Lineup: Governor, George
must be overwhelming, and the potential total cost of those campaigns must be frightening-
perhaps as much as the insurance industry spent in this apolitical commonwealth on the
Senators, Alan Cranston (D) and Pet
referenda of 1988.
Congressional districting. California's House delegation of 45 is the largest since New York to
had that districts in the 1940s; it is lopsidedly (27-18) Democratic. That is attributed and
1988 Presidential Vote
the redistricting many plans drawn up by the late San Francisco Representative Phillip Burton
Bush (R)
Michael Berman, an aide to Representative Henry Waxman and brother of former Assembly an
Dukakis (D)
5,054.
alliance with Hispanic legislators failed when Burton figured out how to draw one more Hispanie the
majority leader and now U.S. Representative Howard Berman. Republican efforts to forge
1988 Democratic Presidential Primary 4,702.
Jackson
1,910.
district than the Republican computers did. The Republicans turned to referenda and won at the
Gore.
1,102.
polls in 1982, only to have Burton draw another plan before Jerry Brown left office, and was
Simon
56,
Republican's efforts to create a commission of retired judges to draw the district lines
43,1
CALIFORNIA
81
m "a
turned down by the voters in 1984; the final court challenge wasn't dismissed until early 1989.
it for
The Burton plan is not quite as unfair as the Republicans claim, however. Any districting plan
will tend to understate Republicans' popular vote strength, because so many of their votes are
n the
cast in a few high-income, high-turnout areas. And the Republicans' failure to capture majorities
se its
in the legislature in the 1980s is due more to their candidates' weaknesses than to the district
more
lines.
Alan
In any case, Burton died in 1983, and by 1989 the focus was on what will happen after 1990.
a fleet
The census is expected to give California five or six new seats, to make it the largest state
n the
delegation in history. At least two, in southern California, will be Republican no matter who
le was
draws the lines: there are no Democratic precincts in this rapidly growing territory. Otherwise,
Senate
the key is the governor's race in 1990. If the Democrats win, they will probably totally control
nment
redistricting, subject only to a court case. If Pete Wilson or another Republican wins, there will
oreign
be pressure for a compromise. There is, at this point, a good government argument for drawing
e 1986
safe seats for most if not quite all of California's incumbents, since the state has many talented,
well-placed and powerful House members, most of them Democrats but some Republicans too.
master
This is rather remarkable because it is hard to be a good legislator if you must fly five hours over
ities to
three time zones to California on weekends and then take the redeye back to Washington.
Iling in
ocratic
The People: Est. Pop. 1988:28,168,000; Pop. 1980: 23,667,902, up 19% 1980-88 and 18.5% 1970-80;
arthy, a
11.19% of U.S. total, 1st largest. 23% with 1-3 yrs. col., 20% with 4+ yrs. col.; 11.4% below poverty
itenant
level. Single ancestry: 8% English, 5% German, 3% Irish, 2% Italian, 1% French, Russian, Portuguese,
Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Scottish, Norwegian. Households (1980): 69% family, 37% with children, 55%
ive way
married couples; 44.1% housing units rented; median monthly rent: $253; median house value: $84,700.
t which
Voting age pop. (1980): 17,278,944; 16% Spanish origin, 7% Black, 5% Asian origin, 1% American
to Jesus
Indian. Registered voters (1988): 14,004,873; 7,052,368 D (50%); 5,406,127 R (39%); 1,546,378
release
unaffiliated and minor parties (11%).
opposed
capital
1988 Share of Federal Tax Burden: $113,203,000,000; 12.80% of U.S. total, largest.
st aid to
end out
1988 Share of Federal Expenditures
Ison ran
Total
Non-Defense
Defense
rthy did
Total Expend
$102,366m
(11.58%)
$66,020m
(10.07%)
$42,398m
(18.56%)
and one
St/Lcl Grants
11,676m
(10.19%)
11,674m
(10.20%)
2m
(2.16%)
Salary/Wages
16,380m
(12.20%)
6,240m
(9.31%)
10,140m
(9.31%)
Wilson's
Pymnts to Indiv
41,941m
(10.25%)
39,199m
(10.04%)
2,741m
(14.71%)
in 1992.
Procurement
29,457m
(15.61%)
6,052m
(13.02%)
29,457m
(15.61%)
o Senate
Research/Other
2,913m
(7.80%)
2,855m
(7.70%)
58m
(7.70%)
with no
ns to run
Political Lineup: Governor, George Deukmejian (R); Lt. Gov., Leo T. McCarthy (D); Secy. of State,
tening-
March Fong Eu (D); Atty. Gen., John Van de Kamp (D); Treasurer, Thomas Hayes (R); Controller,
h on the
Gray Davis (D). State Senate, 40 (24 D and 15 R and 1 I); State Assembly, 80 (47 D and 33 R).
Senators, Alan Cranston (D) and Pete Wilson (R). Representatives, 45 (27 D and 18 R).
New York
1988 Presidential Vote
1984 Presidential Vote
ributed to
urton and
Bush (R)
5,054,917 (51%)
Reagan (R)
5,467,009 (58%)
Assembly
Dukakis (D)
4,702,233 (48%)
Mondale (D)
3,922,519 (41%)
) forge an
: Hispanic
Dukakis 1988 Democratic Presidential Primary
1988 Republican Presidential Primary
1,910,808
(61%)
Bush
1,856,273
(83%)
won at the
Jackson
1,102,093
(35%)
Dole
289,220
(14%)
e, and the
Gore,
56,645
(2%)
Robertson
94,779
(4%)
lines was
Simon
43,771
(1%)
CALIFORNIA
83
Key Votes
1) Cut Aged Housing $
AGN
5) Bork Nomination
AGN
9) SDI Funding
AGN
2) Override Hwy Veto
FOR
6) Ban Plastic Guns
AGN
10) Ban Chem Weaps
AGN
3) Kill Plnt Clsng Notice AGN
7) Deny Abortions
AGN
11) Aid To Contras
AGN
1928, Menands,
4) Min Wage Increase
FOR
8) Japanese Reparations
FOR
12) Reagan Defense $ AGN
St. Johns U., J.D.
Election Results
Army, 1953-55;
-66; CA Senate,
1986 general
Alan Cranston (D)
3,646,672
(50%)
($11,037,707)
Ed Zschau (R)
3,541,804
(47%)
($11,781,316)
1986 primary
Alan Cranston (D)
1,807,244
(81%)
916-445-2841.
Charles Greene (D)
165,594
(7%)
John Hancock Abbott (D)
124,218
(6%)
Two others (D)
142,193
(6%)
,506,601 (61%)
1980 general
Alan Cranston (D)
4,705,399
(57%)
($2,823,462)
781,714
(37%)
Paul Gann (R)
3,093,426
(37%)
($1,705,523)
,927,290
(94%)
132,126
(6%)
,881,014
(49%)
Sen. Pete Wilson (R)
,787,669 (48%)
Elected 1982, seat up 1994; b. Aug. 23, 1933, Lake Forest, IL;
home, San Diego; Yale U., B.A. 1955, U. of CA at Berkeley, J.D.
1962; Protestant; married (Gayle).
Career: USMC, 1955-58; Practicing atty., 1963-66; CA Assem-
bly, 1966-71, Minor. Whip, 1967-69; Mayor of San Diego, 1971-
3 Alto; home, Los
83.
I U., B.A. 1936;
Offices: 720 HSOB 20510, 202-224-3841. Also 2040 Ferry Bldg.,
San Francisco 94102, 415-556-4307; 11111 Santa Monica Blvd.,
C., 1936-38; Lob-
#915, Los Angeles 90025, 213-209-6765; Fed. Bldg., 1130 o St.,
19; Army, WWII;
Rm. 4015, Fresno 93721, 209-487-5727; and 401 B St., Ste. 2209,
Vorld Federalists,
San Diego 92660, 619-557-5257.
Committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (8th of 9 R).
1390 Market St.,
Subcommittees: Agricultural Production and Stabilization of
5757 W. Century
Prices; Agricultural Research and General Legislation (Ranking
and 880 Front St.,
Member); Domestic and Foreign Marketing and Production Pro-
motion. Armed Services (3rd of 9 R). Subcommittees: Conventional Forces and Alliance Defense
(Ranking Member); Manpower and Personnel; Strategic Forces and Nuclear Defense. Governmental
airs (2d of 12 D).
Affairs (6th of 6 R). Subcommittees: Investigations; Federal Services, Post Office and Civil Service;
hairman); Securi-
Oversight of Government Management. Special Committee on Aging (5th of 9 R). Joint Economic
nmittees: African
Committee. Subcommittees: Economic Goals and Intergovernmental Policy; Education and Health;
airman); Western
National Security and Economics.
ct Committee on
Group Ratings
ADA
ACLU
COPE
CFA
LCV
ACU
NTLC
NSI
COC
CEI
COC CEI
1988
15
46
15
42
70
75
67
100
77
53
29
20
1987
30
-
13
42
-
75
|
-
87
62
33
21
National Journal Ratings
ONS
1988 LIB - 1988 CONS
1987 LIB - 1987 CONS
Economic
30%
69%
29%
-
-
70%
Social
54%
-
45%
50%
-
49%
Foreign
13%
84%
0%
-
76%
-
84
CALIFORNIA
Key Votes
been gaining); in the 1970
1) Cut Aged Housing $
FOR
5) Bork Nomination
FOR
9) SDI Funding
FOR
ran for Congress and lost,
2) Override Hwy Veto
FOR
6) Ban Plastic Guns
-
10) Ban Chem Weaps
FOR
just as the 1st District
3) Kill Plnt Clsng Notice
FOR
7) Deny Abortions
FOR
11) Aid To Contras
FOR
Representative Don Clau:
4) Min Wage Increase
-
8) Japanese Reparations
FOR
12) Reagan Defense $ FOR
his support for the lumbe
part of the district, and W
Election Results
enthuse the countercultur
1988 general
Pete Wilson (R)
5,143,409
(53%)
($12,969,294)
And he has had the good
Leo T. McCarthy (D)
4,287,253
(44%)
($6,986,342)
rather united environmen
1988 primary
Pete Wilson (R), unopposed
the California wilderness
1982 general
Pete Wilson (R)
4,022,565
(52%)
($7,082,651)
now is offshore drilling of
Edmund G. Brown, Jr. (D)
3,494,968
(45%)
($5,367,931)
helped to move the North
a postponement of drilling
from stopping oil drilling
everyday needs of North
FIRST DISTRICT
Merchant Marine Commit
The Redwood Empire, the North Coast-50 years ago this seemed an antique, left-behind part
Russian River restoration,
of California. "Eureka spreads in checkerboard fashion over an area large enough to accommo-
on Highway 101 and acqu
date a population several times its present size," wrote the WPA Guide. "Its solitary houses are
Santa Rosa marshes. In 19
scattered over vast stretches of vacant, weed-grown lots. Along the waterfront are the saloons,
support for the nuclear fre
cheap hotels and poolrooms of the late 19th century-relics of the days when the tough,
brilliant: in the last three
flamboyant life of the lonely frontier settlement centered here."
Empire congressman in 20
Farther south, back off the foggy coastal valleys in the protected inland flatlands, was
The People: Est. Pop. 198
agronomist Luther Burbank's laboratory in Santa Rosa, a town that looks middle American
Households (1980): 69% fan
enough to have been the setting for dozens of movies. Sealed off from the rest of the country, and
median monthly rent: $233;
in most places from the Pacific itself, by the various ridges of the Coast Range, the north coast of
origin, 2% American Indian.
California is a world unto itself. This is wet country, with some of the highest rainfall in the
1988 Presidential Vote:
United States-higher as you get toward Oregon-a moist, rainy land of massive trees and
[
B
rounded mountains, of small towns wi.h filigreed Victorian houses and lumber mills. The
Redwood Empire some call it, after the giant trees which grow up and down the coast, is
Rep. Douglas H. Bosco (D
nourished most of the year by drizzle and fog. The first white settlers here were Russians who
left little behind them but interesting place names (the Russian River, Fort Ross). They were
followed, in the years after the California Gold Rush, by lumbermen and fishermen. By the late
19th century, great fortunes had been made in lumber from the redwoods and Douglas firs, as
Eureka's still standing Victorian mansions attest. This Redwood Empire, beginning in the south
around Santa Rosa (and, over a hill, in Napa) and continuing all the way up to the Oregon
border, forms California's 1st Congressional District.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the North Coast has changed as people have moved here from the
San Francisco Bay area. The movement has been heavy in Sonoma County, which is within easy
reach of the Golden Gate Bridge on U.S. 101; it has been lighter but more distinctively
countercultural in Mendocino County, where the leading cash crop was said to be marijuana.
These new North Coasters have brought many of the values and attitudes from the Bay area's
liberal and even radical precincts to counties discontented with the sagging fortunes of the
lumber industry in a time of national prosperity. The result is that politically, as the country and
the interior of California have become more Republican in the 1980s, the Redwood Empire has
become more Democratic. In the 1988 presidential election, as in the close 1986 Senate contest,
Group Ratings
the Redwood Empire counties were solidly Democratic.
Coming along at just the right time for this trend is Congressman Doug Bosco. Throughout his
ADA
ACLU
1988
career he has had a gift for being at the right place at the right time. In the 1960s he left New
80
74
1987
York (which has been losing congressional districts) for school on the West Coast (which has
68
-
TAKING CHARGE OF
CALIFORNIA'S FUTURE
PETE WILSON
A RECORD OF
PERFORMANCE, COURAGE AND VISION
Pete Wilson
Taking Charge of California's Future
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY PETE WILSON FOR GOVERNOR 1990
I.D. No. 89-0351
THIS DOCUMENT WAS NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i.
Pete Wilson Biography
1
I.
Quality of Life
4
A.
Protecting the Environment
5
1. California Wilderness Bill
7
2. Parks and Rivers
8
3. Coastline Protection
9
4. Fish and Wildlife
10
B.
Cleaning the Environment
11
1. Toxics
12
2. Air Quality
13
3. Water Quality
14
C.
Improving Our Infrastructure
16
1. Housing and Community Development
18
2. Transportation
19
3. Water and Sewer
20
4. Harbors
21
5. Disasters
22
D.
Promoting Economic Diversity
23
1. Trade
25
2.
Agriculture
26
3. Defense
27
4. Entertainment
28
E.
Celebrating Diversity
29
1. Economic Development
31
2. Economic Opportunity
32
II.
Crime and Drugs
33
A.
Fighting Drugs
34
1. Interdiction
36
2. Prevention
37
3. Treatment
38
B.
Cops and Courts
39
1. Local Law Enforcement
41
2. Cop Killers
42
3. The Wilson Judges
43
4. Crime Victims
44
III. California's Future: Our Children
45
A.
Education
46
1. Integrated Services
48
2. Federal Aid
49
B.
Caring for Our Children
50
1. Health Care
52
2. Day Care
53
IV. The Business of Government
54
A.
Government Efficiency
55
1. Deficit Reduction
57
2. Military Inventory Management
58
3. Midgetman
59
4. Fair Labor Standards Act
60
5. Mandates
61
6. Earthquake Engineering
62
B.
Government Integrity
63
1. Congressional Pay
65
2. Newsletters
66
V.
Human Resources
67
A.
Health Care
68
1. Long-Term Health Care
70
2. AIDS
71
B.
The Elderly
72
1. Income
74
2. Preventive Health Care
75
C.
Women's Rights
76
1. Equal Rights
78
2. Reproductive Rights
79
Appendix I
U.S. Senator Pete Wilson Offices
80
Pete Wilson for Governor Offices
81
Pete Wilson
Biography
In 1982, Pete Wilson won the U.S. Senate seat earlier
held by such giants of California history as John Fremont,
Hiram Johnson and William F. Knowland.
In 1988, Wilson did something no occupant of that seat
had done in 36 years. Making history himself, Wilson became
the first Senator to re-capture the "jinxed" seat since
Knowland won re-election in 1952.
An Opportunity to Serve
Pete Wilson was born August 23, 1933, in suburban
Chicago. He attended Yale University on an ROTC scholarship,
and was graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1955. From
1955 to 1958, Wilson served as a Marine Corps infantry
officer, then went on to earn a law degree from the
University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall, in 1962.
Given an opportunity to serve, Pete Wilson has never
hesitated. His public service career began in 1966, when he
was elected to represent San Diego in the California
Assembly, taking a seat in Sacramento alongside newly-elected
Governor Ronald Reagan and State Senator George Deukmejian.
Wilson immediately won the recognition of his Republican
colleagues, who chose the freshman to hold the second-ranking
legislative leadership post of Minority Whip.
Opportunity knocked unexpectedly in 1970. Pete's
election as Mayor of San Diego that year presented him with a
unique chance to steer the city through unparalleled growth
and change along a course combining fiscal restraint and
no-nonsense crime fighting with thoughtful land management
and significant political reforms.
From San Diego to the Senate
In 1982, after 11 years as Mayor, Wilson went on to win
his first term in the U.S. Senate, sweeping all but five of
the state's 58 counties in a hard-fought victory over
Governor Jerry Brown. Californians returned him to that
office in 1988, giving him a 900,000 vote margin of victory,
the largest recorded in the nation that fall.
1
Along his way from Sacramento to San Diego to the
Senate, Californians have come to know Pete as a man who
addresses problems with intellect, not rhetoric; a man who
seeks solutions through innovation, not imitation; a man of
principle who wants government to be practical.
A Compassionate Conservative
As columnist George Will wrote in 1982, Wilson is "a
valuable rarity: a conservative who understands the
discriminating, but vigorous use of government power for
conservative purposes.' Wilson labels himself a
"compassionate conservative."
In this time of record budget and trade deficits, Pete
has been a leading voice for fiscal restraint at home and
more agressive action in the global marketplace. His record
is clearly one of fiscal conservatism, paving the way to a
leaner, more efficient government, rather than taking the
path of least resistance, inevitably leading to new taxes.
When it comes to trade, he espouses "Wilson's Golden Rule" --
"I'll let you into my market if you let me into yours.
Fiscal reform has to begin at home, Wilson believes,
including in the houses of Congress. He wants to curb
mailing privileges for Congressional newsletters, which cost
ANEC.
taxpayers millions annually, and he objected to Congressional
pay raises, donating his additional income to charity, for
purposes ranging from AIDS to Alzheimer's.
Among his proudest accomplishments in the Senate, Wilson
counts his contributions to the war on drugs, including
provisions he authored to increase the military role in drug
interdiction, restrict illegal trade of chemicals used to
RIME
make "meth" and PCP, and make murder of a police officer in a
drug-related crime punishable by death.
Even though he's hard-line on crime, Wilson also is
committed to building a drug-free society through better
prevention and treatment, including early drug education. He
is the sponsor of legislation to expand the availability of
drug and alcohol treatment for pregnant and postartum women.
2
ENVIRONMENT
An Advocate for California
Since introducing the first California coastal
protection bill in the Assembly in 1967 to forging the
historic California wilderness compromise in the Senate in
1986, Wilson has forged a trail of environmental
accomplishment. In his Senate service, he's won funds for
new parklands and toxic waste clean-up, earned wilderness
designations for California rivers, and improved pesticide
inspection of imported foods.
Pete's committee assignments on the Armed Services,
Agriculture and Government Affairs committees afford him an
unparalleled opportunity to advocate California's interests.
He also serves on the Special Committee on Aging and the
Joint Economic Committee.
An advocate of peace through strength, Wilson is
considered a leading Senate expert on arms control and
strategic force modernization. He supports the MX missile,
but opposes the unaffordable Midgetman missile; for while
(Icind of MILITARY of
Wilson advocates defense spending equal to the task of
keeping America secure, he also demands the money be well
wishy washy
spent. His efforts improved management of the military's
$160 billion inventory.
Agriculture is California's biggest single industry.
Wilson has taken a leading role in writing legislation to
promote the export of crops, while helping farmers compete
against a flood of foreign imports at home. The Targeted
Export Assistance (TEA) program is among the many
achievements that earned Wilson the California Farm Bureau's
"Man of the Year" award in 1986.
Wilson's assignment in 1989 to the Government Affairs
Commitee caps his reputation as a strong advocate for state
and local governments, already recognized by groups like the
League of California Cities, who named him "Legislator of the
Year" in 1985.
3
ENVIRONMENT
I. Quality of Life
is the California dream and Pete Wilson's challenge:
"To make a living in a state worth living in."
In the Golden State, unparalleled scenic beauty and
abundant natural resources create employment in tourism and
agriculture. Here, preserving the environment and providing
jobs go hand-in-hand.
Pete Wilson has built a reputation as the "pro-business
legislator with the conservationist bent," from his early
days in the State Assembly, when he wrote the first coastal
protection plan, to his years as Mayor of San Diego, where he
pioneered "managed growth" planning.
In the U.S. Senate, Wilson legislated the "California
Wilderness Act," an offshore drilling ban, and the "Safe
Foods Import Act," to name a few of his environmental
credits.
The daily beauty of our lives is the sum not only of
nature's works but also of man's; safe roads, affordable
housing and clean water are essential to a liveable world.
As Mayor, Pete Wilson made San Diego "America's Finest
City." As Senator, he's fought to keep California America's
finest State, whether it's budging the bureaucracy to build
housing for the elderly or bucking the tide to override the
veto of the 1987 "Highway and Mass Transit Bill."
Finally, when it comes to the quality of each of our
lives, the bottom line is economic opportunity. Pete Wilson
always emphasizes: "The best social program is a job."
The American economic resurgence led by President Reagan
found a willing partner in Pete Wilson. In California, farm
exports are up, thanks to Wilson's "Targeted Export Act," and
foreign copyright violations are down, due to his
"Anti-Piracy and Market Access Act," just to name a few of
his California economic initiatives.
To live securely and comfortably, in harmony with nature
and each other, is the dream that brings us to California.
It has been and is Pete Wilson's challenge to help
fulfill that dream for millions of Californians.
4
A. Protecting the Environment
Since Pete Wilson came to the U.S. Senate, more
California land has been set aside as wilderness than in any
single term of any previous Senator. When Wilson took
office, the debate over how many and which acres to declare
federal wilderness areas had been raging for 20 years.
Within two years after taking office, Wilson ironed out
a compromise bill with Sen. Alan Cranston that included not
only 1.8 million acres of wilderness but also -- at Wilson's
insistence -- protection for the Tuolumne River and National
Scenic Area status for Mono Lake.
Wilson's arrival in Washington, D.C. also turned the
tide against Administration plans to open California's
coastal waters for oil exploration and production. With a
vigorous new Senator opposed to reckless, random offshore
drilling, the California delegation: mustered a successful
bipartisan effort to keep a moratorium on new lease sales
throughout the 1980s.
Wilson's support for parks and rivers has helped save
scenic California treasures like Portola's Sweeney Ridge and
Tahoe's Hope Valley and to restore unique ecosystems like the
Trinity River Basin, as well as the vital fish and wildlife
habitat they provide.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Continuing the Teddy Roosevelt Tradition
"Environmentalism
first became a political
issue when it was championed by such turn-of-the
century Republican Progressives as Theodore
Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot
and
environmentalists have continued to find some
Republicans willing to support them. Wilson has
long been one " -- Martin Smith, Political
Columnist, SACRAMENTO BEE 7/25/89
5
Setting an Example for Republicans
"If you want an example of someone who can
work for a better environment without abandoning
conservative principles, look no further than
Senator Pete Wilson
Pete is not embarrassed, as
we should not be, to side with those who have no
voice in politics -- the Blue Whale, the Pacific
Seal and the Bald Eagle. We must not be afraid
to proudly follow the leadership of the Pete
Wilsons of our party. -- Frank Fahrenkopf,
Chairman, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE 1/1/88
Passing the Wilderness Bill
"Passage of the California wilderness
legislation in the U.S. Senate is cause for
jubilation on the part of all Californians
the
California bill represents an effective compromise
worked out by Alan Cranston and Pete Wilson. " --
LOS ANGELES TIMES 8/13/84
Protecting Coastal Waters
"We at the Sierra Club greatly appreciate the
effort the Senator and his staff have given in the
fight to protect our fragile coastal waters. Once
again, many thanks." -- Robert Hattoy, SIERRA CLUB
2/1/86
Keeping Wild Rivers Running Free
"With Sen. Pete Wilson's endorsement this
week, a bill granting wild and scenic river status
for the Kern River is almost assured passage in the
U.S. Senate this year -- RIDGECREST DAILY
INDEPENDENT 1/23/87
Adding to the Parklands Inventory
"Wilson has earned the accolades of
conservationists by stepping into the controversy
over adding Sweeney Ridge to the Golden Gate
NRA
Our thanks
for his efforts on behalf of
the generations who will enjoy Sweeney Ridge. --
OAKLAND YODELER 1984
6
1. CALIFORNIA WILDERNESS BILL
The decades-long effort to preserve California's
wilderness for the enjoyment and inspiration of generations
yet to come culminated in the "California Wilderness Bill of
1984.
The bill, written by Senator Pete Wilson and Senator
Alan Cranston, set aside 1.8 million acres of unique and
irreplaceable wilderness areas, at the same time it freed up
for development other areas that had been under a court
moratorium.
At Wilson's insistence, the bill designated an 83-mile
stretch of the Tuolumne River as a Wild and Scenic River.
Not since 1978 had a California river been added to the wild
and scenic rivers inventory.
The landmark wilderness bill, which was signed into law
in 1984, also designated the Mono Lake National Scenic Area.
"Reconciling the need for jobs and economic
growth with concern for the environment is one of
the great challenges of our time The compromise
on the terms of the California wilderness bill is a
fine example of constructive statesmanship on the
part of Senator Pete Wilson and Senator Alan
Cranston." -- Ontario Daily Report 7/5/84
"In the gutsiest call of his tenure so far, he
bucked business interests in California to back a
landmark wilderness bill -- Golden State
Report 12/86
"The Tuolumne will now be rescued For that,
Senator Wilson deserves profound appreciation. His
decision was difficult but wise, and
new
generations
will remember the freshman Senator
who tipped the balance in favor of a national
treasure." -- Santa Rosa News Herald 2/14/84
"Wilson's bill is a reasonable compromise.
Environmental protection should be a bipartisan
cause. As a Republican, Wilson is helping make it
so." -- San Diego Tribune 2/84
7
2. COASTLINE PROTECTION
Pete Wilson has been a consistent, effective proponent
of coastal protection throughout his career in public office,
as independent observers have noted:
"
as a state assemblyman, [Wilson] strongly
backed the original legislation that later became
the 1972 Coastal Initiative as mayor of San
Diego
he fought
an oil drilling plan almost as
ambitious as Hodel's. And he's consistently sided
with
the fight to stop Hodel's proposed lease
sale. " -- Syndicated Columnist Tom Elias 12/87
"James Watt's determined effort to start
off-shore drilling next year appears to have been
scuttled because of a bipartisan effor led by
Senator Pete Wilson " -- California Eye 10/3/83
"Wilson has lent a consistent, credible voice
to the bipartisan collection of Californians in
Congress that has blocked the administration from
expanding oil drilling off the state's coast. " --
California Journal
With Wilson's arrival in the Senate in 1983, the tide
was turned against Administration plans to open California's
coastal waters to widespread random offshore drilling.
With Wilson's vigorous support, the California
delegation has maintained a moratorium on lease sales ever
since.
Among his long list of achievements are:
Wilson's 1987 amendment halted action to decertify
the California Coastal Commission;
Wilson persuaded George Bush in 1988 to indefinitely
delay any action on offshore oil leasing along
California's northern coast;
Wilson amended a bill in 1989 to cap liability for
oil spills at $100 million, maintaining unlimited
liability on cleanup costs of oil disasters.
8
3. PARKS AND RIVERS
Early in his Senate term, Wilson convinced the Interior
Department to acquire the Sweeney Ridge, a 1063 acre
historical site near Pacifica, for the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area (GGNRA).
In the years since, Wilson has won funding for buying
more parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Giant
Sequoia Redwoods in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park,
the Martinelli ranch in the GGNRA and Tahoe's Hope Valley, to
name just a few key acquisitions made with Wilson's support.
Wilson's successful bid to win protection for the
Tuolumne River in the 1984 Wilderness Act won him the 1984
Golden Trout Award from Caltrout, Inc. Wilson went on to
sponsor bills to declare California's Kings, Kern and Merced
Rivers as Wild and Scenic.
"Although the Secretary [of Interior James
Watt] rigidly opposes new parkland purchases this
year, Wilson succeeded in adding
$15 million for
land acquisitions in the Santa Monica Mountains."
-- The Los Angeles Times 10/83
"Observers credit Senator Pete Wilson with
decisive leadership in finally bringing the
Interior Department into good faith negotiations
[on purchase of Sweeney Ridge. ]"
Not Man Apart, Friends of the Earth 4/84
"We also appreciate your active support [for]
Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir
Your active
support
meant the difference in getting this bill
passed
--
Joseph T. Edmiston, Santa Monica
Mountains Conservancy 10/84
"Sen. Pete Wilson's backing of a congressional
appropriation to buy West Marin Ranchland for the
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is good
news
Wilson is a powerful ally," -- Marin
Independent Journal 8/21/86
"Thank you for your leadership and support in
protecting the Merced and Kern Rivers
We are
very grateful to you. If American Rivers 11/4/87
9
4. FISH AND WILDLIFE
Preserving wild rivers is only half the battle for fish
and wildlife habitat. Many of California's riverways and
wetlands are seriously degraded and require restoration.
In 1984, Wilson was among supporters of a bill that
authorized $57 million to restore the Trinity River Basin.
"Thank you for the tireless effort put forth
to see this legislative milestone come to
pass
The economy of this county
is closely
linked with the fishery this bill is designed to
restore.'
"
Trinity County Board of Supervisors
Chairman Donald A. Straw 10/8/84
In 1986, Wilson sponsored legislation with Congressman
Doug Bosco to authorize $41 million for restoration of fish
stocks in the Klamath River.
The Upper Sacramento River is the target of a similar
legislative effort, the Wilson/Bosco Upper Sacramento River
Fishery Resources Restoration Act, begun in 1989.
"Rep. Doug Bosco and Sen. Pete Wilson are
sponsoring legislation to provide $185 million for
long-term improvements in the sadly depleted
fisheries of the Sacramento River
an important
step
in the long and difficult task of restoring
the river to environmental good health. " The
Sacramento Bee 11/9/89
Wilson has also worked for legislation to help protect
endangered species like the California Condor and the
California Sea Otter, to study the effect of commercial gill
net fishing on endangered species, and to establish a
preserve for the endangered fringe-toed lizard.
"
this project is an excellent example of
cooperation between the public and private
sectors
and [it will] make an important
commitment to endangered species preservation. --
The Nature Conservancy 10/17/84
Wilson's efforts have also won funds for habitat
acquisition, including wetlands near Modesto, waterfowl
habitat in the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge, and others.
10
B. Cleaning Our Environment
What we eat, drink and breathe can poison us. Safe food
and clean air and water have all been subjects of Pete
Wilson's legislative efforts.
Wilson's "Safe Food Imports Act" and his "Global Ban on
Dangerous Pesticides Act" are aimed at reducing the potential
for toxic contamination of food. Wilson has also been
instrumental in Agriculture Committee legislation updating
U.S. pesticide law.
Clean air, according to the American Lung Association,
would save the nation $40 to $50 billion in annual health
care costs and spare as many as 120,000 lives.
As an amendment to the Clean Air Act, Wilson authored
legislation to require offshore oil drilling operations to
meet the same air quality standards as industrial plants
onshore.
The greatest hope for cleaner air is alternative fuels,
and to that end, Wilson was an original cosponsor of a bill
to induce automakers to produce more "flexible fuel" cars.
Three major clean water bills bore Wilson's stamp. He
spared California massive cuts in sewer grants in the "Clean
Water Act." His vote to override vetoes of both that bill
and the "Safe Drinking Water Act" were keys to their
enactment. The Coordinated Operating Agreement, which Wilson
cosponsored, will increase both water quality and
availability.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Working for Food Safety
"Senator Pete Wilson, R-Calif., unveiled a
bill yesterday to outlaw U.S. exports of hazardous
pesticides that have been banned or taken off the
market in this country." -- SAN FRANCISCO
CHRONICLE 11/28/89
11
Ending Dangerous Pesticide Exports
"Sen. Pete Wilson has unveiled a promising
two-pronged strategy. He would end U.S. chemical
companies' current practice of exporting pesticides
that have been banned here [and] organize a
conference of major agricultural nations aimed at
writing and enforcing international pesticide
rules
Wilson's initiative deserves serious
attention from Congress." " -- CONTRA COSTA TIMES
12/4/89
Monitoring Imported Produce
"Sen. Wilson is absolutely right that tougher
pesticide monitoring is required for fruits and
vegetables imported into the United States
"
--
GILROY DISPATCH 12/5/86
Reducing Air Pollution
" "Smog is smog, whether it's hovering over Los
Angeles or out at sea Legislation proposed by
Senator Pete Wilson would
extend the federal
Clean Air Act to include the Outer Continental
Shelf [and] it would shift regulatory power over
off-shore emissions to the Environmental Protection
Agency
KNX urges Congress to pass the Wilson
legislation. -- KNX RADIO EDITORIAL 2/12/87
Encouring Alternative Fuel Use
"Aready abuzz with ideas about using alcohol
fuels to fight the state's smog problem, California
received word recently that 14 U.S. senators have
launched an effort to encourage automakers to
increase production of methanol-fueled cars
We
commend Pete Wilson for co-sponsoring the Senate
bill
"
-- NAPA REGISTER 8/11/87
Taking a Stand for Clean Water
"Thank you for your strong support for the
Clean Water Act
Your leadership and courage in
support of the veto override reaffirms our
confidence." --LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2/25/87
12
get agrip!!
1. TOXICS
In our food and water, in the ground beneath our feet
and the skies overhead, the toxic threat pervades our lives.
Pete Wilson has been a leader in the effort to diminish the
toxic threat.
Wilson's 1989 "Global Ban on Dangerous Pesticides" Act
would bar exporting pesticides currently banned in the U.S.
"Senator Pete Wilson's bill to prohibit the
export of dangerous pesticides is long overdue.
It is plainly immoral to sell
insecticides
regarded as too hazardous for use in this country."
-- San Diego Union 12/3/89
In 1988, Wilson's leadership in the Agriculture
Committee stopped a move to preempt California's authority
over pesticide safety.
"Pete Wilson recently led a successful fight
in the Agriculture Committee to prevent the feds
from overriding the state's management of
pesticides, which generally is more stringent than
the E.P.A
"
-- Sacramento Newsletter 5/30/88
Wilson's "Safe Food Imports Act," which was adopted in
1988, stepped up FDA inspection of imported foods and
required more consistent application of penalties.
"Sen. Pete Wilson's [bill to] beef up
inspection of the 20 million tons of produce that
come into the country every year
is getting rave
reviews." -- Visalia Times Delta 12/18/86
During the consideration of the Superfund bill in 1985:
Wilson's amendments to improve military toxic waste
cleanup were adopted by the Senate;
Wilson backed the "Bhopal Amendment" to require
listing and public notice of hazardous substances.
Also in 1985, Wilson's protests reversed the Food and
Drug Administration's plan to shut down its San Francisco
laboratory, the same lab that detected contamination in
Austrian wine, French brie, and watermelon.
13
2. AIR QUALITY
"Smog" is as much a California hallmark as Hollywood or
the Golden Gate -- but smoggy skies aren't scenic, they're
sickening. Smog's high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide
are dangerous to human health, not to mention downright ugly.
150m s
Alternative fuels are one of the greatest hopes for
reducing air pollution, and Wilson has been extremely active
in their promotion.
Wilson was among the original sponsors of the "Methanol
and Alternative Fuels Promotion Act" of 1987, authored by
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) to give automakers incentives to
produce "flexible fuel" cars -- autos that will burn either
alternative fuels or gasoline.
The Rockefeller/Wilson methanol bill swept through
Congress and was signed by the President in spring of 1988.
The "Offshore Oil Pollution Reduction Act" Wilson
introduced in 1987 to transfer the authority for policing
emissions from offshore oil operations from the Interior
Department to the Environmental Protection Agency was
included in the Clean Air Act.
"
Wilson's legislation may mean a difference
in the vital struggle to protect U.S. coastal
waters and inland areas from pollution." -- San
Diego Tribune 12/1/86
"If the move in Congress
succeeds, air
quality in Southern California could actually
decline
California's sizeable congressional
delegation should join ranks to amend this gaping
flaw in the clean air package. Sen. Pete Wilson
already has pledged to lead the campaign in the
Senate." --- Paso Robles Press 10/23/89
"
if Sen. Pete Wilson is
successful
Authority to control air quality
would rest solely with the Environmental Protection
Agency
Wilson announced his solution at a
special federal hearing in Santa Barbara Monday
Wilson's idea was the only concrete solution
presented at the hearing." -- Santa Maria Times
11/25/86
14
3. WATER QUALITY
California's legendary "water wars" have faded into the
past as conservation of the state's precious supply of water
has become the foremost priority.
Pete Wilson cosponsored the "Clean Water Act" of 1987
and voted to override the President's veto of the measure.
Wilson pushed for inclusion of a $12 million San Francisco
Bay cleanup program and a study of Santa Monica Bay
pollution.
Wilson defeated an attempt to revise the sewer grant
allocation formula that would have cut California's share of
the $2.4 billion fund by 15 percent.
"Please accept our appreciation for your
substantial efforts on the
Clean Water
legislation. I recognize how difficult it was for
you to oppose the administration
and we are most
grateful.' -- San Mateo Mayor Florence Rhoads
2/17/87
Other provisions of the Clean Water Act benefitted the
San Diego Wastewater Reclamation Agency, the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts, the East Bay Municipal Utility
District, and Lake Merritt.
Improving water supply and water quality through
intergovernmental cooperation was the key to ratification in
1986 of the "Coordinated Operating Agreement."
With Wilson's sponsorship, this federal/state pact
increased the amount of water available to the south at the
same time it insured the quality of water in the north.
"Sen. Pete Wilson, who understands California
water conflicts
deserves credit for shepherding
this landmark legislation through Congress." --
San Diego Tribune 10/13/86
Wilson has also been very active in the effort to
control the salinity of the Colorado River. His efforts
helped pass the Colorado River Salinity Control Act of 1984
to help improve water quality for Southern California users.
In the years since, Wilson has successfully won continued
funding for the program.
15
C. Improving Our Infrastructure
"We need not suffer change. We need to shape it. "
Pete Wilson
A 17-year record in state and local government -- six
years in the California Assembly and eleven years as Mayor of
San Diego -- earned Pete Wilson a reputation as one of
America's foremost leaders in implementing innovative
infrastructure solutions to the problems of managing
explosive growth.
California's natural beauty and bounteous natural
resources continue to attract literally millions of new
residents. Ironically, the same qualities that attract
people to California could be destroyed if rapid growth
overwhelms the capacity of services including transportation,
sewer and water, and housing.
In the Senate, Wilson has championed state and local
governments. He was named "Legislator of the Year" in 1985
by the California League of Cities, the only federal official
ever to win the award.
Examples abound in the pages to follow of Wilon's
succesful efforts to obtain federal assistance for
California, from housing to disaster assistance to mass
transit --- temporary housing for residents of a fire-damaged
senior citizens apartment complex in Redwood City, federal
damage assistance to help rebuild the Bay Area's
earthquake-racked cities, a new air traffic control tower for
the San Fernando Valley.
State and local government -- and state and local
taxpayers -- couldn't find a better friend than Pete Wilson.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
"Dramatic Leadership" for Cities
"
[The League] commends you on your dramatic
leadership [for cities] in Washington. It gives me
great pleasure to inform you that the League Board
of Directors voted to name you `Legislator of the
Year. -- CALIFORNIA LEAGUE OF CITIES 8/18/85
16
Improving Low-Income Housing
"You are to be commended for the attention
you have shown in improving the housing conditions
for the City's low income tenants." -- Mayor Peg
Gunn, Menlo Park 6/5/84
Encouragement for Housing Bill
"As a resident of California as well as the
President-Elect of NAHB, I thank you for your
efforts to encourage enactment of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1987.' -- Dale Stuard,
National Association of Homebuilders 1987
Helping Build Senior Citizen Housing
"Thank you very much for your help gaining
loan approval for funds to construct new senior
housing for the 400+ seniors on the waiting
list." -- Ramona Senior Center 8/1/85
Funding for Highways and Transit
"I would like to thank you for your efforts on
H.R. 2, reauthorizing the federal transportation
programs. In particular, your vote. has ensured
continued federal funding for highway and transit
programs throughout California." -- Mayor Tom
Bradley, CITY OF LOS ANGELES 4/14/87
Keeping Transportation Rolling
"
thanks for your leadership role
your
actions mean important transit and interstate
transfer projects here will not be unnecessarily
delayed. -- Mayor Dianne Feinstein, CITY OF SAN
FRANCISCO 5/22/87
Recovering from Earthquake Disasters
"
we would like to express our sincere
gratitude for the support you gave to the community
after the earthquake of October 17 we could not
have begun to recover as quickly as we were able to
without your help and assistance." -- Mayor Thomas
J. Ferrito, TOWN OF LOS GATOS 12/11/89
17
1. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Pete Wilson's policies to promote affordable housing and
liveable communities earned Wilson the 1985 "Legislator of
the Year" by the California League of Cities, the only
federal official ever chosen.
At the federal level, Wilson has given strong support to
housing and community development legislation and helped
localities win federal assistance for their efforts.
"Anni Chung, executive director of Self-Help
for the Elderly, credited Wilson with making the
Pineview senior housing project possible. " -- Asian
Week 8/21/87
"Thank you for the support you gave our
project
a
downtown community center has been a
dream for many years. Thank you very much for
helping Modesto realize its dream." -- Mayor
Peggy Mensinger, 8/16/85
"Thank you for your repeated efforts on behalf
of the City's program to improve living conditions
in the Buena-Clinton neighborhood.' -- Mayor
Jonathan H. Cannon, Garden Grove 12/18/85
It is, however, at the state and local level where
decisions are made that determine to a large extent where
Californians will live and how well, and Wilson's experience
as San Diego Mayor won very high marks in that category.
Wilson's passion for "managed growth" was ignited as
Mayor of San Diego, where his innovative leadership won him
national recognition.
" "Pete Wilson, San Diego's young and aggressive
mayor
has attracted national attention with his
efforts to manage growth and check sprawl." --
Planning Magazine 1977
"
the City agreed to create the San Diego
Housing Commission
[to] as then-mayor Pete
Wilson put it, `hustle for housing'
A decade
later, the Housing Commission can point to tangible
accomplishments." -- San Diego Tribune 12/13/89
18
2.
TRANSPORTATION
Delays and detours not only dispirit Californians, but
also diminish productivity. If left unmanaged, growth breeds
gridlock.
In early 1987, with California on the verge of running
out of federal highway funds, Senator Wilson cast the crucial
vote to override the President's veto of the Highway and Mass
Transit Act.
"
the Senator is willing to stand up for his
state when needed.' -- The Political Report 5/1/87
The bill released billions in federal gas taxes from the
Highway Trust Fund, including over $1 billion for California
highways and millions more for mass transit projects like the
San Diego Trolley and BART.
The bill also raised the speed limit in rural areas to
65 mph, a policy Wilson strongly supported.
Wilson's also won federal support for airport projects,
like an air traffic control tower at Whiteman Air Park and
upgraded radar equipment at Buchanan Field.
"I would like to
express my gratitude to you
for your time and effort in holding the Air Safety
Control hearings
the information gleaned
will
be extremely beneficial
to help insure the safety
of our airways. -- Supervisor Deane Dana, County
of Los Angeles 12/9/86
"Thank you for the assistance
to obtain a
grant for 15 buses. I would also like to thank you
for the personal effort that you have taken in
communicating your support of our project to UMTA
Administrator Ralph Stanley." --
Santa Cruz
Metropolitan Transportation District 12/12/85
"With your support the Appropriations
Committee included report language highlighting the
need for
funding for the BART Daly City turnback
zone project and for new rail cars. "
General
Manager Keith Barnard, Bay Area Rapid Transit
10/85
19
3. WATER AND SEWER
The high costs of water and sewer systems are among the
greatest fiscal concerns with which the states and localities
must grapple. Federal funds for such projects are
diminishing, yet Pete Wilson continues to fight for
California's fair share of these funds.
Senator Wilson was an original cosponsor of the "Water
Resources Act" of 1986, the first bill in more than ten years
to authorize new federally-assisted water projects. The bill
authorized numerous water projects crucical to California.
The largest of all the projects authorized by the bill
was the Santa Ana River Main Stem Project, a $1.09 billion
Corps of Engineers project to provide flood control for
millions of Orange and Riverside County residents.
"Thank you SO much for the part you played in
passage of H.R. 6. This is really good news for
Orange County.
--
Tustin Mayor Donald J.
Saltarelli 12/17/86
"Sen. Pete Wilson, R-Calif., also went to bat
for the project before a Senate Appropriations
subcomittee. Wilson asked for $20 million
"
--
The Daily Report 4/6/89
Sewage overflows from Mexico have threatened the water
supply of border communities including San Diego and Calexico
for many years. Pete Wilson has been a partner in reaching a
binational solution to the problem:
"Thank you very much for your attention to the
Tijuana sewage problem
The agreement signed
recently with the Republic of Mexico is
due to
your personal involvement and commitment. II -- San
Diego County Supervisor Brian Bilbray 10/24/89
"Together with Sen. Pete Wilson, Rep. Hunter
takes much of the credit for the $1.2 million joint
U.S. -Mexican project [to] expand the Mexicali
sewage system." -- Imperial Valley Press 1/31/89
Wilson's efforts have also helped win federal funds for
projects ranging from drainage studies in Los Angeles to
reclamation operations in the Central Valley.
20
4. HARBORS
California ports are critical to the state's economy,
with 18 percent of the nation's ship traffic recorded at the
ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach alone. In addition to
being centers of commerce, California's harbors are havens
for recreation, including boating and fishing.
Among the harbor projects Wilson's championed include:
** Project 2000, to expand the Ports of L.A. and Long
Beach, was among six California port and harbor
improvements Wilson worked to include in the 1987
water bill. Wilson had helped the project win an
interim appropriation in 1986.
"Your effort
in obtaining a commitment from
the Corps of Engineers on continued funding
is
greatly appreciated," Executive Director Ezunial
Burts, Worldport L.A. 10/29/86
** Wilson was working to improve the breakwater at King
Harbor when storms in 1986 and 1987 caused serious
damage along the shore. Later, storm-damaged
electrical wiring ignited a fire that destroyed the
pier. Wilson helped win federal aid to rebild.
"The words `Thank you' seem inadequate to
express the City's gratitude for your help
your
efforts made a significant difference
the
Community will long remember your help. -- City of
Redondo Beach
**
Wilson's amendment in 1983 authorized a $19 million
breakwater to protect San Francisco's Fisherman's
Wharf, for which Mayor Dianne Feinstein presented
to him an Award of Merit.
Wilson helped win authorization for the sale of Navy
land to Port Hueneme to allow for its expansion.
"The Navy agreed -- after threats by Sen.
Wilson to cut off funding for a wharf in Iceland if
a deal wasn't reached." -- Ventura Star Free Press
12/11/84
21
5. DISASTERS
Whether obtaining emergency assistance to rebuild
Whittier's earthquake-ravaged business district or providing
temporary housing for Redwood City residents of a
fire-damaged senior citizens apartment complex, Senator
Wilson has quickly responded to help communities recover from
natural disasters.
"According to Whittier City Manager Thomas G.
Mauk, the grant [for earthquake relief] was
approved largely because
of
Sen. Pete Wilson.
Mauk praised the senator and recounted how Wilson
`didn't wait for us to call. He came here to see
the damage then asked how he could help. -- SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE 4/24/88
When the Loma Prieta earthquake hit in 1989, Wilson's
on-the-spot assistance in coordinating federal aid proved
invaluable, as a bipartisan partner in appropriating $3.5
billion in disaster aid and a leader in winning the full
support of the Bush Administration for the recovery effort.
"Wilson was an architect of the $3.45 billion
U.S. emergency relief package President Bush signed
Thursday. -- Santa Rosa Press Democrat 10/29/89
"The Traffic Authority wishes to commend you
on behalf of the Bay Area region in securing
Federal disaster relief aid
The amount of Federal
aid forthcoming would not have been possible
without the concerted effort of you and your
colleagues. -- Chairperson Brian O'Toole, Santa
Clara County Traffic Authority 11/20/89
In addition to earthquakes, Wilson has helped expedite
federal disaster declarations as well as overseen the federal
disaster response to devastation from fires, floods, and
winter storms.
In particular, Wilson has been instrumental in gaining
federal cooperation for California firefighting efforts.
Wilson's legislation to make available twelve Air Force
helicopters was critical to firefighting efforts during the
summer of 1985, and in 1987, Wilson arranged with the Air
Force to transfer airdrop fire fighting equipment to the
California National Guard.
22
D. Promoting Prosperity
Trade supports one out of ten jobs in California.
One-fifth of the state's agricultural harvest is exported,
and California manufactured goods like machinery and aircraft
are heavily marketed abroad.
In the future, not only the traditionally-exported
goods, but also products of cutting-edge fields like robotics
and biotechnology and services like insurance and engineering
will yield dramatic growth in exports, providing jobs.
While Pete Wilson's dogged work to open foreign doors to
California goods and services may always make today's
headlines, it is making a big difference in the state's
ability to compete abroad, now and in the decade ahead.
Californians are proud of our historically prominent
role in the nation's defense. Pacific-theatre fighting
during World War II, Korea and Vietnam built up the military
presence in California that continues to this day.
Today, California is home to over 100,000 civilian
Defense Department employees, and thousands more civilian
employees serve the needs of the more than 200,000 active
duty military personnel, their families, and a growing number
of military retirees.
Furthermore, California's preeminence in the aerospace
and electronics industries make it the number one recipient
of defense contracts, U.S. and foreign.
The entertainment industry is not only an important
employer but also a unique asset to California's economy and
culture. Senator Wilson has earned tremendous support in the
entertainment community for his efforts in their behalf.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
"Adept at Covering the State"
"The Senator and his sharp staff have been
adept at covering the state
He has been
extremely visible on trade and defense matters,
both of major concern to California." -- GOLDEN
STATE REPORT 1985
23
Getting Tough on Trade
"Wilson has generally opposed protectionist
trade policies, but at the same time has criticized
the Reagan administration for not working
aggressively enough to get Japan and other
countries to eliminate barriers to American
exports. -- SAN DIEGO UNION 12/5/86
"The Fighter Farmers Deserve"
"Although California's No. 1 industry is
agriculture, it has been many, many years since
California has had a U.S. Senator like Pete Wilson
to give farmers the support they deserve
Wilson
is a fighter." -- CALIFORNIA GRAPE GROWER 10/20/83
Safeguarding America
"Wilson is the first California Senator in 16
years to serve on the Armed Services Committee.
Not withstanding its importance to national
security, the assignment also is a relatively
unknown but powerful instrument of job creation for
the state." -- CALIFORNIA VIEWPOINT 1/28/87
Sinking Trade Pirates
"Intellectual piracy costs American
businesses as much as $20 billion a year [and]
hits California's entertainment and computer
industries particularly hard. And it has prompted
Sen. Pete Wilson to introduced a measure that would
require stiff penalties against nations winking at
or aiding intellectual property theft." -- SAN
DIEGO UNION 5/22/86
Taking Care of Business
"U.S. Senator Pete Wilson
takes care of
California's key industries. In the latest case,
Wilson says he will introduce legislation to stop
Canadian cablecasters from stealing signals from
U.S. television stations." -- CALPEEK 1/87
24
1. TRADE
California's perch on the rim of the Pacific gives the
Golden State a golden opportunity to tap the burgeoning
markets of Asia's industrialized nations.
"Wilson
has made international trade issues a
focus. " -- San Diego Union 12/5/86
An ardent foe of protectionism, Pete Wilson nevertheless
believes firmly that when foreign governments act unfairly,
the U.S. must retaliate. Wilson's made many contributions to
tougher U.S. trade laws, including:
** The "Targeted Export Assistance Act" of 1985
was the first program to offer farm export
assistance to counter unfair trade barriers.
** The "Fair Access to Foreign Markets Act" in 1985
directed the U.S. to resolve promptly all
pending agricultural trade complaints against
the European Community.
" Thank you
regarding the canned fruit case
with the EEC. Knowing that you supported a strong
stand [we] were able to eliminate an unfair
trade practice." -- Ronald A. Schuler, President,
California Canning Peach Assn. 3/18/87
** Wilson's resolution urging retaliation for Japanese
violations of the trade agreement on semiconductors
passed unanimously in 1987, prompting action.
" Unanimous passage of your resolution sent a
strong message that dumping
must end and the
Japanese semiconductor market must open. " --
Semiconductor Industry Association 3/20/87
** The "Anti-Piracy and Market Access Act" beefed up
copyright, patent and trademark laws on
"intellectual property" like movies, books, and
computer software. It became law in 1988.
"Wilson's bill would provide the strongest
legislative remedy," -- San Diego Union 5/19/86
25
2. AGRICULTURE
With California farmers increasingly dependent on
foreign markets for sales, Pete Wilson's tenure on the
Agriculture Committee has been marked by his tenacious
pursuit of fair treatment for U.S. farm products.
For his efforts, the California Farm Bureau named Wilson
"Man of the Year" in 1986.
Wilson's "Targeted Export Assistance" program, known as
TEA, was enacted in 1985. Since then, exports of many
California crops have boomed. In the first year of the
program, kiwifruit exports to Japan jumped 270 percent,
pistachio exports rose 180 percent, and avocado exports
increased by 257 percent.
"It has been a tremendously successful program
in stimulating sales," -- U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture Richard Lyng 3/22/88
"It was Sen. Wilson who went to bat for TEA. "
-- Washington Post 6/86
"Such significant export assistance should be
of incalculable benefit to sales of California
wines." -- The Christian Brothers 5/6/86
The "Wilson amendment" to the 1985 immigration reform
bill -- a "political coup" according to the Golden State
Report -- assures California growers a continuing supply of
legal workers to harvest crops.
"The Senator's legislation is humane,
realistic and essential to maintaining the West's
agricultural output." -- Sacramento Union 1/10/86
"This prospective happy ending to what has
been a long and difficult legislative struggle
stems from the stubborn refusal of California's
Senator Pete Wilson to admit defeat." -- San
Francisco Chronicle 11/12/85
Wilson's advocacy for California farmers and ranchers
also includes sponsorship of the "Perishable Agricultural
Commodities Act, the "Fair Access to Foreign Markets Act,"
and the "Wine Equity Act."
26
3. DEFENSE
In 1983, Senator Wilson became the first Californian to
serve on the Armed Services Committee in twelve years. An
advocate of the doctrine of peace through strength, Wilson
fought to restore a tattered U.S. defense posture, while
assuring California received its "fair share" of funds.
By the estimates of the California Labor Council,
Wilson's first term efforts yielded California over 600,000
jobs.
Typical of the hundreds of examples of Senator Wilson's
work on behalf of California are the following:
** Wilson and Mayor Dianne Feinstein waged a successful
campaign to convince the Navy to name San Francisco
as the homeport for the U.S.S. Missouri.
"The Navy's decision to base the battleship
Missouri in San Francisco will mean an increase in
jobs and a substantial boost to the sagging ship
repair industry here
Pete Wilson's vigorous
espousal of San Francisco's cause was of critical
importance." -- San Francisco Chronicle 6/2/85
** At Wilson's insistence, the Pentagon ordered a
head-on competition between the F-16 and the
California-built F-20 fighter plane. The
"fly-off" saved taxpayers millions of dollars
when the F-16's manufacturer dropped its price
to become more competitive. It also netted
California aerospace companies the opportunity
to develop a prototype for the advanced
tactical fighter (ATF) plane.
** Wilson's leadership as Chairman of the
Subcommittee on Manpower and Personnel to
improve the quality of health care for the
military led to the creation of CHAMPUS, a new
health care system. A Sacramento-based group
subsequently won a three billion dollar
contract to provide outpatient services to
military dependents in California and Hawaii, a
contract that will provide high quality health
care while saving taxpayers $300 million.
27
4. ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment industry is not only one of
California's biggest employers, but also a source of cultural
pride for Californians. The impact on the nation, and the
world, of the movies, television programs and sound
recordings produced in California is tremendous.
Senator Wilson has earned the respect and appreciation
of the entertainment community in California, primarily for
his leading role in strengthening laws to protect U.S.
copyrights from foreign "pirates."
Wilson's "Anti-Piracy and Market Access Act" cracked
down on foreign governments sanctioning pirating. It was
included in the 1988 trade bill. The bill was hailed as a
tough response to increasing rip-offs of U.S. films, records,
and TV programs.
Wilson has also been an active participant in
entertainment industry efforts to fight unfair foreign trade
barriers, as well as to promote the industry's positions
domestically.
"He earned the support of the motion picture
industry as their Senate champion
I think he did
a superb job." -- Congressman Henry Waxman (R-CA)
3/15/85
"I thank you, heartily, jubilantly for your
steady support of our determination to open up the
Korean marketplace for acces to the U.S. film and
television industry." -- Jack Valenti, President,
Motion Picture Association of America 12/18/85
"U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson
spearheaded a
conference committee rescue effort to restore
job-seeking deductions eliminated in the Senate tax
reform bill. He focused on entertainment industry
talent as the principal victims of the proposed
repeal. " -- Variety 6/24/86
"The new requirement presents a serious
problem to struggling songwriters
We appreciate
all of your support. " -- Burt Bacharach and Carole
Bayer Sager 12/87
28
E. Celebrating Diversity
"We ought not to tolerate diversity. We ought to
celebrate it." --
Pete Wilson
Native Americans and Spaniards, the first Californians,
have been joined by waves of settlers from Europe, Asia,
Africa and Mexico.
Today, new immigrants continue to come to California:
we grow each year by a number roughly equal to the entire
population of the State of South Dakota.
In the Senate, Wilson has worked diligently to serve
California's diverse racial and ethnic population, and to see
that all Californians are given the opportunity to
participate fully in California's economic miracle.
In his early years, as Mayor of San Diego, Wilson's
vision brought new vigor and jobs to neighborhoods thought
hopelessly blighted.
When other cities were "clearing slums," Wilson's
innovative leadership in economic redevelopment showed the
way to reverse decline, provide jobs and at the same time
preserve the unique heritage of neighborhoods.
In the Senate, Wilson continues to carry the banner for
urban revitalization, protecting important fiscal tools such
as tax-exempt Industrial Bond financing, winning urban
redevelopment aid for many California projects, and promoting
minority business development.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
The Roots of Redevelopment
"Reflecting a progressive brand of Republican
politics in California's predominantly Democratic
structure, Pete Wilson has required developers to
pay the cost of public facilities. He has sought
to limit slums and shoddy development through tax
penalties
and has led an effort to redevelop the
ailing center city." -- Planning Magazine 1977
29
Among San Diego's "Founding Fathers"
"Sen. Pete Wilson, mayor of San Diego from
1971 to 1983, was the recipient of the Founding
Father Award. Wilson was instrumental in getting
private developers to build Horton Plaza shopping
center, housing projects and new office buildings
downtown. He also spurred plans to build a new
convention center." -- SAN DIEGO UNION 10/22/89
"Great Credit' from "Grateful County"
"The County's UDAG application, which provides
$1,000,000 to help finance the Slauson Square
Shopping Center in the City of Maywood
would not
have been [approved] without
your interest in the
project
We are confident this project will
reflect great credit on you as the Senator. This
is only the second UDAG grant the County has
received. It is most important to us, and we are
extremely grateful for your support." -- Executive
Director David Lund, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISION, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 1/29/88
Working for Latino-Americans
"We are extremely impressed with your
record
on behalf of the Latino-American
community. We share your concern about the high
illiteracy rate
and we applaud your efforts in
seeking a solution
your encouragement of
entrepreneurial and economic development, your
commitment to equal opportunity and protection
under the law, and your work to establish an
immigrant law that is fair to all peoples
"
--
George Ruiz, Political Action Chairman, LATINO
PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 10/31/89
Supporting Civil Rights
"We want to express our deepest appreciation
for
your
support
of one of the most important
civil rights measures ever to come before the
Congress
Again, we thank you for your leadership
on this historic legislation." -- Chairperson
Benjamin L. Hooks, LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ON CIVIL
RIGHTS 10/4/89
30
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Diversity is the key to California's economic strength.
But with diversity comes the responsibility to keep the
boundaries of democracy wide enough for all to pass.
California's minority population has helped fuel the
engine of economic growth, and many minority entrepreneurs
have availed themselves of assistance from the Minority
Business Development Agency (MBDA).
The coauthor of S. 1848, "Minority Business Development
Act" of 1987, Wilson has twice earned the Minority Business
Development Centers' Advocate of the Year Award from Southern
California MBDCs, as well as the Western Region's Legislator
of the Year Award in 1987.
"This `Award of Recognition' is presented to
you for your long and continued suport and your
active role in expanding economic opportunities for
minority business enterprise
--
Minority
Business Development Center, San Bernardino
10/11/88
Depressed communities with high unemployment do exist in
California. Reversing their decline is just as important in
the Golden State as it is in the Rust Belt, and Pete Wilson
has championed local economic redevelopment efforts.
Wilson amended a 1984 tax bill to exempt Industrial
Development Bond (IDB) projects already underway
from the new law limiting the tax benefits of IDBs.
** Wilson blocked a 1986 bid to severely restrict tax
increment financing, a widely used tool for urban
redevelopment. As Mayor, Wilson launched downtown
projects like Horton Plaza using tax increments.
** Wilson has been pivotal in obtaining Urban
Development Action Grants for local development
projects, like the South Gate Plaza:
"This project should create thousands of badly
needed new jobs in this area and we are deeply
appreciative of your successful efforts in our
behalf." South Gate Mayor John F. Sheehy 3/31/87
31
2. EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
Californians take pride in the state's diverse ethnic
mix, the largest and most diverse melting pot in the nation.
Pete Wilson is a fighter for economic opportunity for all.
Senator Wilson supported the "Civil Rights Restoration
Act," opposed curtailment of the fifth preference
immmigration category, and voted to establish a national
holiday in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Sen. Pete Wilson voted to override President
Reagan's veto of the so-called Grove City civil
rights restoration bill." -- San Diego Union
3/23/88
Wilson has pushed for jobs for disadvantaged youth,
including a minimum wage differential. He's also supported a
myriad of public-private partnerships for job training, such
as the East Oakland Youth Development Center.
"A distinct air of pride in their
accomplishment was on the faces of people at the
East Oakland Youth Development Center on Tuesday
when U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson visited the job training
facility to deliver a $25,000 federal grant. --
Oakland Tribune, 1/18/84
Wilson cosponsored legislation to provide $200 million
for adult literacy education focusing on adults who lack
sufficient language skills to gain productive employment,
with $50 million earmarked for "Workplace Literacy
Partnership Grants. 11
Wilson won funds from the Department of Education to
promote literacy, like the SER-Jobs for Progress grant
approved in 1988 to expand the network of Literacy Family
Learning Centers among Hispanics.
Wilson has also supported economic opportunity for those
trapped in poverty, voting for the 1988 "Family Security Act"
to help train and employ welfare-dependent individuals.
The Family Security Act was patterned after California's
GAIN program, a workfare-based effort to reduce welfare
dependency that had its roots in a San Diego demonstration
project during Pete Wilson's years as Mayor.
32
Saving "Cocaine Babies"
'The surprise proposal by Senator Pete Wilson
would use an estimated $45 million in franking
savings this year to finance treatment programs for
coke-addicted women and infants." -- LOS ANGELES
HERALD EXAMINER 9/12/89
Without Raising Taxes
"Democratic critics on Capitol Hill have
flailed President George Bush for not raising taxes
and spending more to combat drug abuse. Now,
Senator Pete Wilson has given lawmakers a chance to
spend more without raising taxes. " -- UKIAH DAILY
JOURNAL 9/19/89
Giving Smugglers the Blues
"Pete Wilson has been a fighter for more drug
interdiction resources for the southwest border;
better use of our military assets to combat the
drug smuggler; and tougher laws to keep the
narcotics smuggler off our streets. -- SENATOR
DENNIS DECONCINI (D-AZ) 2/6/87
"A Soldier in the War on Drugs"
"Because you publicly rode to the rescue of the
Border Patrol, our most beleaguered law enforcement
agency; and because you became a soldier in the war
to stem the flow of illegal drugs
you, Pete
Wilson, have been selected as our Legislator of the
Year. " -- STAMP OUT CRIME COUNCIL OF SAN DIEGO
12/86
Preventing Drug Use
"One more small step in the march against drug
use was taken recently when legislation was
introduced by California Sen. Pete Wilson
to ban
the mail-order and catalog sales of drug
paraphernalia
We think Sen. Wilson did a good
job. -- OROVILLE MERCURY-REGISTER 4/3/85
35
1. DRUG INTERDICTION
Policing U.S. borders for incoming drug shipments is a
primary federal responsibility, which has required tremendous
resources and changing attitudes toward foreign policy and
the military.
Among Pete Wilson's numerous efforts to step up border
drug interdiction efforts, he led the Congressional fight in
1988 to sanction Mexico for not doing enough to fight drug
traffickers.
"
as its chief sponsor, Sen. Pete Wilson
(R-Calif. ) put it
the United States is
demanding better cooperation in narcotics
eradication and interdiction efforts
Wilson
cited Mexico for providing safe havens' for drug
traffickers, refusing to cooperate on
narcotics-related financial information and turning
down
hot pursuit of suspected drug-carrying
aircraft
"
-- The Washington Post 4/15/88
In May of 1988, the Senate overwhelmingly approved
Wilson's amendment to the defense authorization bill
stipulating that it is a mission of the military to assist
local authorities in the interdiction of illegal drugs.
"Sen. Pete Wilson'
call to arms helped
rally the U.S. Senate behind needed legislation
throwing the armed forces into the war on
drugs
Sen. Wilson's argument as a chief
proponent of the Senate legislation is convincing."
-- Glendale Daily News Press 5/23/88
Also in 1988, Wilson was named to a special task force
to assist in writing a new omnibus bill anti-drug bill to
increase funds for the DEA, FBI, and other federal
drug-fighting agencies, as well as local law enforcement.
"Senator Pete Wilson should be applauded for
his leadership in gearing up the federal
bureaucracy for the war on drugs
Wilson has been
supportive of local law enforcement's efforts to
fight major drug traffickers. " -- Orange County
Sheriff Brad Gates 4/21/88
36
2. PREVENTION
Senator Pete Wilson has worked to provide federal
funding for programs to help reduce the demand for drugs
through education and treatment programs, as well as to
enforce stricter rules to help achieve a drug-free society.
Wilson is the chief Senate sponsor of the "Drug War Bond
Act" of 1989 sell bonds to raise money and public support for
the war on drugs.
"The proposal sounds appealing. Prevention is
the key, and bond money
combined with effective
government programs and grassroots efforts to keep
communities drug-free, just might make a
difference. It certainly did in World War II," --
Santa Maria Times 8/4/89
A model drug prevention program, Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE) was pioneered by the Los Angeles Police
Department and has spread throughout the country. The Senate
approved a bill by Wilson in 1989 to provide $10 million to
fund more DARE programs.
Wilson's Drug Paraphernalia Act to stop the mail-order
sale of pipes, "bongs," and drug devices plugged a major
loophole in community efforts to prevent drug use when it was
adopted in the 1986 drug bill.
"I am writing to express my strong support for
legislation you have sponsored which would prohibit
the interstate sale and shipment of drug
paraphernalia
I commend you for your foresight
in introducing this important legislation, New
York Governor Mario Cuomo 12/10/85
Wilson also supports drug testing of national security
and public safety workers. In 1988, Wilson authored a
provision of the drug bill to encourage states to require
random drug testing of first-time drivers license applicants.
"A driver's license is not a right
I want
that driver in the sedan going 60 miles an hour to
be
in possession of his full faculties. Anything
the law can do to assure that is so is fine with
me," Contra Costa Times Columnist Mary
Bachmann-Hartman 12/20/88
37
3. TREATMENT
Drug treatment, while expensive, does work for many
addicts. Pete Wilson believes the government does have a
role in promoting accessible, affordable treatment, such as
the programs offered at California's Mandela House and
Phoenix Houses -- highly regarded residential facilities for
treating recovering addicts and alcoholics.
Wilson believes treatment should be mandatory for women
who give birth to drug or alcohol addicted or impaired
children.
To this end, Wilson authored S. 1444, "The Child Abuse
During Pregnancy Prevention Act of 1989," to encourage states
to establish programs to meet the need for treatment of
pregnant drug and alcohol addicts.
Wilson has led efforts in Congress and encouraged the
Administration to multiply the amount of money available for
treatment for pregnant mothers from $4.5 million to over $100
million.
"Regardless of how it is funded, the Wilson
bill deserves to be enacted
The Wilson measure
provides for mandatory treatment of mothers in
rehabilitation centers rather than jails. This is
a balanced approach that recognizes society's
responsibility to protect vulnerable infants from
the ravages of illicit narcotics." -- Torrance
Daily Breeze 9/15/89
"For Joan, the drug treatment center is a
last-ditch attempt to become drug-free
She said
she supports Republican Senator Pete Wilson's
recent proposal for mandatory rehabilitation of
pregnant drug-users and would even like the measure
to include enforced drug treatment for the entire
family." -- "What To Do With Crack Mothers"
San Francisco Chronicle 9/11/89
"Last Thursday, the Senate passed a worthy
measure, proposed by Senator Pete Wilson, to
transfer $45 million from the Senate's mass-mailing
fund [to] drug-treatment programs to help addicted
women, mothers and infants." -- Los Angeles Daily
News 9/10/89
38
B. Cops and Courts
While state and local governments are primarily
responsible for law enforcement, a federal legislator can --
and Pete Wilson does -- have a big impact on public safety.
Wilson is a dependable friend of local law enforcement.
He was the champion of local police and sheriff's agencies
seeking a fair share of the proceeds of drug profits seized
in joint operations with federal agencies, a program that has
earned millions for California law enforcement.
He authored the 1988 law to allow the death penalty in
cses of murder of law enforcement officers -- federal, state
and local -- in drug-related crimes.
Not only has he helped fill the law books with
tough-on-crime statutes, but he's also been filling the legal
bench with tough, fair judges.
Wilson has recommended nearly 20 individuals --
qualified, representative, tough and fair -- to serve on the
federal bench, and his choices have been unanimously approved
by the President and the Senate.
And finally, Pete Wilson has promoted victims rights.
Criminals get their "day in court," but too often victims and
their families must endure years in court before justice is
done. Wilson was Southern California Chairman of the 1982
Victims Bill of Rights and is honorary chairman of the 1990
"Speedy Trial Initiative."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Going to Bat for Local Law Enforcement
"We strongly agree with you, that this is one
of the most wrong-headed proposals in the law
enforcement area ever passed by the House, and we
are pleased to know that you will do everything
possible to restore full funding." -- Chief Conrad
Aponte, Jr., President, MONTEREY COUNTY CHIEF LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION 10/6/87
39
Standing Up for Law Officers
"During your seven years in the United States
Senate you have stood for
dedication to the law
enforcment community and a commitment to
Latino-Americans. In law enforcement, you have led
the battle for better drug resources of the
military. We also appreciate your efforts to keep
the Federal asset forfeiture program intact
"
-- George Ruiz, Political Action Chairman, LATINO
PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 10/31/89
Winning Praise for Judicial Choices
"Sen. Pete Wilson, quietly taking advantage of
a chance to influence the federal judiciary perhaps
more than any other senator, has proved to be a
willing partner with President Reagan in moving the
courts away from liberal activism
The
underlying
philosophy that Wilson looks for in recommending
judges is the same thing the White House looks for:
judicial restraint, not activism
Wilson's
choices to date have generally won warm, bipartisan
praise from the California legal community." --- SAN
DIEGO UNION 10/20/85
Earning High Marks for High Quality Judges
"The lawyers credited Pete Wilson,
California's Republican senator, for the high
quality of Reagan's appointments to the federal
district courts in the state." -- SACRAMENTO BEE
11/86
Promoting Victims Rights
"If passed by the voters, this new initiative
will greatly enhance and streamline our criminal
court system. Valuable court time and taxpayer
dollars will be saved through several reforms, and
all crime victims and citizens will be given a
right to a speedy trial
For example, under
present laws, if four men raped and robbed a woman,
that victim might have to testify in four separate
trials. Now she would only have to testify in
one." -- Mike Spence, Columnist, DAILY BRUIN
10/11/89
40
1. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Ironically, one of the richest sources of anti-drug
funds for local law enforcement comes from cash and other
assets seized from drug dealers. Known as the "asset
forfeiture" program, it has been in existence since 1981.
In 1986, Wilson authored legislation to allow for more
assets to be used to support anti-drug efforts, increase the
dollars going to local law enforcement, and step up
distribution of the funds.
In 1987, when the House tried to freeze the asset
forfeiture fund, Wilson, working with California law
enforcement agencies, successfully mobilized a nationwide
effort to restore the funds.
Congress again tampered with the program in 1988, voting
to end local sharing of assets seized in so-called "adoptive
cases," in which the bulk of the investigative effort is made
locally, yet the forfeiture is processed under federal law.
Wilson's "Law Enforcement Cooperation Act" was adopted
in 1989, preventing the ban on asset sharing in adoptive
cases from going into effect.
Since its inception, in California alone, more than $60
million has been forfeited and distributed to state and local
law enforcement agencies under the equitable sharing program.
"
our sincere thanks for your all-out,
successful efforts toward restoring the funds for
state and local law enforcement agencies. " --
Watsonville Chief of Police Ray Belgard 10/14/87
"
thank you for your outstanding efforts in
restoring over $120 million in asset forfeiture
funds, which we seize annually from drug dealers."
-- Sonoma County Sheriff Dick Michaelsen 10/16/87
In another effort, Wilson twice convinced the Federal
Communications Commission to set aside part of the radio
frequency band for public safety. For example, the LA County
Sheriff must coordinate police, fire, and rescue activities
of hundreds of municipalities and outlying counties. As new
technologies require more and more band space, this set-aside
will be literally "a lifesaver."
41
2. COP KILLERS
Pete Wilson emphathizes with the personal risk taken by
law enforcement officers to keep our streets safe.
Michael Callahan, Pete's grandfather, came from Ireland
to Chicago, where he rose to become a detective sergeant in
the police force. He was gunned down in the line of duty in
1908, at the age of 30, leaving Pete's grandmother to raise
Meg, Pete's mother, alone.
Among Wilson's most strongly-held beliefs is his
conviction that a constitutionally-sound death penalty
protects innocent lives. Wilson believes the deterrent force
of capital punishment helps safeguard American citizens,
especially peace officers on the frontlines against crime.
The murder of two DEA agents involved in a joint
operation with the Monterey Park police in early 1988
prompted Wilson's to introduce the "Law Enforcement Officers
Protection Act. "
This bill established a federal death penalty for anyone
convicted of drug-related murder of a federal, state or local
law enforcement officer, officer of the court, or prison
guard.
Wilson's bill also doubled the death benefit for
survivors of officers felled in the line of duty.
The provision of Wilson's legislation covering the
killing of police officers in drug-related crimes was
included in a related death penalty bill adopted by the
Senate in the summer of 1988.
"The bill
supported by California Sen. Pete
Wilson, would
allow the death penalty for drug
kingpins [and]
anyone who kills a law enforcement
officer in an incident related to drugs. The bill
would
send a loud and clear message to those who
are keeping our nation in violent turmoil that we
have had enough," -- Pleasanton Valley Times
6/16/88
Wilson also voted to ban cop killer bullets, an issue of
extreme importance to law enforcement.
42
3. THE WILSON JUDGES
Presidents traditionally turn to Senators of their own
party to recommend individuals for the federal bench. Wilson
has had the opportunity to recommend numerous candidates for
judicial posts, as well as for U.S. Marshals and U.S.
Attorneys, every one of which has been nominated by the
President and confirmed by the Senate.
Twelve judges in California's Central District, two in
the Southern District, three in the Northern District and one
in the Eastern District have
taken seats on the bench at
Wilson's recommendation.
Wilson is a firm believer in the concept of judicial
restraint, and while he opposes "litmus tests" for judicial
candidates, he has consistently recommended judicial
candidates who reject an activist approach.
At the same time, Wilson has made a special effort to
seek out qualified candidates for the bench who belong to
minority groups.
"We applaud Wilson for the commitment toward
making the federal judicial selection process more
open and accessible to all well qualified members
of our society." -- William Lew Tan, Chairman of
the Board, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics
"Sen. Pete Wilson's recommendation of Superior
Judge Lourdes G. Baird as U.S. Attorney in Los
Angeles is an imaginative and constructive
move
it suggests a serious commitment by Wilson
to less partisan leadership that is more open to
women
"
--
Los Angeles Times 12/4/89
"[The] new conservative majority in the
Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles [has] lived up
to a reputation for toughness in sentencing,
but
the legal community no longer sees them
merely as tough, but some of the most experienced
and qualified federal judges ever selected
most
have been named by Sen. Pete Wilson [who] is given
most of the credit for the highly praised judges."
-- Los Angeles Times 2/21/86
43
4. CRIME VICTIMS
The Speedy Trial Initiative is supported by all 58
elected D.A.s in California, every police chief and law
enforcement group and a large bipartisan group of lawmakers.
Pete Wilson, who served as the Southern California Chairman
of the 1982 Victims' Bill of Rights, agreed to chair the
group seeking to quality the initiative as a logical
extension of the effort begun in 1982.
The initiative, sometimes known as the "Nightstalker
Initiative" would limit the rights of criminal defendants to
those recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court, thus rolling back
earlier actions of the California Supreme Court under Chief
Justice Rose Bird to vastly expand the rights of the accused.
"Senator Pete Wilson
was hailed as the
initiative's angel. Two previous attempts to
qualify the initiative had failed
this
time,
however, Wilson's support and fundraising clout
would put it over the top." -- Los Angeles
Magazine
"Speedier trials are essential.' -- Pleasanton
Valley Times 8/31/89
"Pete Wilson, now serving as a U.S. Senator,
is the most prominent public figure associated with
the effort. Senator Wilson says he has lent his
name to the movement in order to
"
change the
odds in favor of the citizen and not the
criminal. -- San Gabriel Valley Tribune 6/2/89
A challenge to the initiative by California Attorney
General John Van de Kamp that it would take away women's
abortion rights was discarded by the state's district
attorneys and an independent legislative counsel.
"District attorneys from throughout California
yesterday declared Attorney General John Van de
Kamp dead wrong in claiming a proposed crime
initiative could jeopardize the state's abortion
rights
the California District Attorneys
Association
by unanimous vote late Monday,
reaffirmed its endorsement of the crime
initiative." -- Los Angeles Herald Examiner 8/2/89
44
III. California's Future: Our Children
"Let California's children be the best nourished in body
and spirit, the best cared for, the best educated, and the
best prepared to give America the confident leadership she
will require in the new century."
Pete Wilson
From prenatal care to pre-school for four-year-olds,
Pete Wilson believes California's children deserve the best.
In early childhood, from cradle to kindergarten, is the
time when many potentially serious developmental problems can
be most successfully addressed. It is in the early years
Wilson believes California must make a greater investment.
Prevention of birth defects through anti-drug and
alcohol programs, early detection of mental and emotional
difficulties, and integration of health and welfare services
into the educational system -- Wilson has advocated all these
steps and more in the creation of a comprehensive child
development program for the State of California.
Wilson wants to invest in prenatal care -- a minimum of
$1200 for every pregnant woman -- to save tax dollars that
would otherwise be spent later on remedial services and, most
importantly, to spare our children needless suffering.
Wilson is the acknowledged leader in Congress of efforts
to improve drug and alcochol prevention and treatment for
pregnant and post partum women and their children.
Wilson also believes the government should act to expand
affordable, high quality child care. To that end, Wilson
authored the Kids in Day Care Services Act, offering tax
credits or refunds to parents with children in day care.
Wilson's proposal to integrate social and educational
services into a Cabinet-level Department of Child Development
and Services is undoubtedly his most ambitious attempt to
change the lives of California's children for the better.
Choice and responsibility -- on the part of local school
districts and parents alike -- lie at the basis of all
Wilson's proposals. The hand that rocks the cradle, not the
hand of government, guides our children best.
45
A. Education
To the three "R"s, Pete Wilson adds a fourth: readiness.
For in order to learn, children must be ready --
healthy in mind and body, safe in classrooms and on
playgrounds, motivated and stimulated by parents, mentors and
teachers, and reassured of the rewards of learning.
It is said that schools are society in microcosm. To
the halls of education, Wilson's reform proposals would bring
the tools of a healthy society -- the social services to
insure the physical, emotional, and developmental readiness
of our children for learning.
While education is largely a state and local
responsibility, Wilson, in addition to spelling out his
educational reform plan for California, has been a solid
supporter of California's educational needs in Congress.
He has been an advocate for immigrant education, impact
aid, education for disadvantaged children, and bilingual
education.
Wilson's contributions to education earned him the
Special Recognition Award for Congressional service fromm the
National School Boards Association in 1989.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
"Sweeping Reform"
"Sen. Pete Wilson has reached into the
theoretical world of the social sciences and
education
and proposed reform so sweeping that
even his political opposites are stunned and
elated
-- SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER 12/10/89
"Imaginative Solutions"
"Pete Wilson understands that the serious
problems confronting California's schools require
imaginative solutions that cut across ideological
lines. " -- SAN DIEGO UNION 12/17/89
46
Reaching Out to Children At Risk
"Wilson laid out an ambitious, perhaps even a
bit radical, program. including integration of
social services with education for children most at
risk of educational, economic and social failure."
-- Columnist Dan Walters, L.A. DAILY NEWS 12/19/89
"Refreshing, Positive" Proposals
"It's hard to recall the last Californian who
has sounded as gubernatorial -- or as positive --
as Pete Wilson. Wilson's proposals go beyond the
doctrine of either party, which is one of the
things that make them refreshing. " -- SACRAMENTO
BEE 12/6/89
= "Ahead of the Curve"
"Sen. Wilson
is ahead of the curve in
spotting a critical social dilemma [He] declared
education is not only a school burden but an
overriding human care problem." -- Herb Fredman,
Columnist, SAN DIEGO TRIBUNE 12/20/89
"Tireless Efforts"
"Thank you for your advocacy and tireless
efforts on behalf of the educational needs of
California's young people. 11 -- Linda Lanterman,
FREMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 10/2/89
Restoring Vital Funds
"[Irvine has]
used available Emergency
Immigrant Education Assistance Act funds
I wish
to commend you for your efforts to restore funding
to this vital program
"
--
A. Stanley Corey,
Superintendent, IRVINE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
11/5/86
Supporting Immigrant Education
"I wish to
express our sincere appreciation
for your efforts on behalf of immigrant education,"
-- Richard M. Firpo, ADMINISTRATOR OF STATE AND
FEDERAL PROGRAMS, FRESNO 10/22/86
47
1. INTEGRATED SERVICES
Pete Wilson's proposal for universal reform of
California's educational system integrates social welfare
programs currently provided by a myriad of state agencies
into the school system.
Wilson is convinced that for children to learn, the
home life stress causing many of their problems -- substance
abuse, mental illness, physical abuse -- must be addressed.
His conviction is widely shared:
"Wilson called for a systematic integration of
social welfare services and the
school system.
Wilson
was interrupted several times by
applause. The new president of the California
School Boards Assn. said Wilson's platform
"seems
to be a dramatic proposal for addressing the needs
of children.' -- Los Angeles Times 12/4/89
"Sen. Pete Wilson has served notice that he
intends to be California's education governor. His
common-sense educational blueprint ought to command
bipartisan support. -- San Diego Union 12/17/89
"Sen. Pete Wilson
offered thoughtful and
innovative suggestions to coordinate and
integrate
social services available to
children
"
San Diego Tribune 12/12/89
Wilson would establish County Child Councils and a state
Cabinet-level Department of Child Development and Services to
oversee and assist in carrying out these reforms.
Wilson's far-reaching plan to reform California
education also embraces:
"alternative credentialing" to help attract
specialists in other fields into the classroom;
"mentor programs" to provide adult role models;
"merit pay" and volunteer aides for teachers;
thorough testing of "open enrollment" as a means
to provide improved services and greater parental
choice.
48
2.
FEDERAL AID
California has by far the largest and most diverse
school-age population in the nation. Helping California
schools win their "fair share" of federal funds is important
to Senator Wilson.
"Your recognition of education as a funding
priority affirms the vital role it must play in
building a solution to the nation's economic
problems -- H. David Fish, Legislative Program
Director, San Diego City Schools 11/23/87
Wilson is the Senate champion of "impact aid" for local
school districts, winning the Special Recognition Award from
the National School Boards Association in 1989 for his
efforts.
Wilson's support has helped protect federal impact aid
to school districts where many students' parents work or live
on federal property, which includes the vast population of
California military families.
"Quite frankly because of your leadership
the program has withstood what could have been a
major disaster " -- John B. Forkenbrock, Nat.
Assn. of Federally Impacted Schools 10/25/89
"The 100 member school districts join in
extending to you our sincere appreciation for your
support
" -- Steven F. Speech, California Impact
Aid Association 7/6/87
Wilson has also been a leading proponent of immigrant
education and education for disadvantaged students.
"Your work was the determining factor in
restoring the $30 million of immigration education
funding you understand the importance in
educating immigrant children. " -- Superintendent
Thomas W. Payzant 11/4/86
"Thank you so much for your effort to
restore
[to] California $27 million in services
for disadvantaged children." -- Superintendent of
Schools Bill Honig, State of California 12/16/87
49
B. Caring for Our Children
Childhood specialists tell us that the early years, from
birth to age three or four, are the most critical to a
child's development.
From providing the best possible prenatal health care to
addressing developmental disabilities at the earliest
possible stages, Pete Wilson contends California can do more
to improve the health and welfare of our children.
Wilson believes a comprehensive program of caring for
our children must include adequate prenatal, neonatal and
infant health care, as well as quality day care for
preschoolers. He has proposed four-year old kindergarten for
children whose parents are unable to afford private
preschool.
Healthy babies are the aim of Wilson's efforts to
prevent drug and alcohol abuse by pregnant women. He
supports funding for prenatal and infant nutrition programs,
cosponsoring the Child Nutrition Act of 1986.
Wilson has been a leader in gaining additional funding
for preventing and treating pediatric AIDS. He supported the
Child Abuse Amendments of 1984, including $5 million to
assist in the care of severely handicapped infants.
"KIDS" the Kids in Day Care Services Act, is Wilson's
bill to expand the availability of affordable, quality child
care. The bill is among a number of child care proposals
currently before Congress.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON
"A Good Plan"
"Sen. Wilson's plan is a good one
We can
hardly afford to ignore this legislation. If the
babies of the world could speak, we wouldn't have
waited this long. -- SANTA PAULA CHRONICLE
9/6/89
50
Promoting Prenatal Care
"His call for a $1,200-per-mother investment
for adequate prenatal care could save California
millions of dollars in the long run. Better to
overcome learning disorders early than to spend a
fortune on remedial education
"
-- SAN DIEGO
UNION 12/17/89
Caring for Abandoned Babies
"In Congress last week, Sen. Pete Wilson
(R-Calif.) won approval for an amendment to the
D.C. appropriations bill that would create a task
force to coordinate and improve the care of babies
abandoned at hospitals by their drug-addicted
mothers. -- THE WASHINGTON POST 9/17/89
Dealing With Parental Substance Abuse
"The National District Attorneys Association
applauds your leadership
The lack of adequate
resources to respond to growing numbers of children
whose safety and lives are at risk because of
parental substance abuse has produced a
crisis
Prosecutors support the expansion of
treatment facilities and improved child abuse
interventions, and we urge your continued
leadership in addressing these critical needs."
:
NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION 12/7/89
Help for Missing Children
"We want to take the opportunity to once again
applaud your efforts on behalf of missing
children
:
Ann and David Collins,
Co-Presidents, KEVIN COLLINS FOUNDATION FOR MISSING
CHILDREN 5/21/86
II "Dedication to Improving Child Health"
"Your efforts show your recognition of the
health benefits and cost-effectiveness of this
important program [Women, Infants, and Children
nutrition program] and your dedication to improving
maternal and child health." -- MARCH OF DIMES
11/86
51
1. HEALTH CARE
Healthy children -- in mind, body, and spirit -- become
responsible adults. Our educational system cannot do it all,
however, for teachers are teachers, not psychologists or
social workers or physical therapists.
Too often, by the time children reach school age, it is
too late. Opportunities to discover and defuse disabling
difficulties have already been lost.
That is why Pete Wilson believes child health care must
begin with prenatal care, for which he has proposed a $1200
per mother investment, and include neonatal and infant care.
"Wilson has proposed a $1,200 prenatal-care
stipend for every poor pregnant woman in the
state
His proposal
is designed to catch
medical, emotional and financial problems in the
young before they poison their adult lives. -- The
Washington Post 1/2/90
His ardent support of the war on drugs is fueled by
Wilson's knowledge that parental drug and alcohol abuse can
harm innocent infants and drug-related neglect and physical
abuse can jeopardize child safety.
"U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson on Monday dedicated
himself to stemming the increasing number of babies
born addicted to drugs. Wilson said he has
proposed legislation that would make five $10
million grants available to states that create
programs to prevent pregnant women from using
drugs.' -- Torrance Daily Breeze 9/12/89
From a long-time involvement with the March of Dimes to
his current campaign to provide treatment for pregnant drug
and alcohol users, Wilson has stood up for combatting birth
defects as among the wisest investments our society can make.
"He's one politician who's doing more than
just kissing babies -- he's helping to assure that
all babies start life healthy." -- March On, San
Diego/Imperial Chapter of March of Dimes
52
2.
DAY CARE
As in so many areas, California is a leader in providing
innovative approaches to child care, and Pete Wilson is an
innovative leader for California in child care.
"Pete Wilson [helped] the hospital celebrate
the start of construction on a
child care
center. Wilson said he wanted California's
children to be `the best educated, cared for, and
nourished. -- SOUTH GATE PRESS 8/10/89
Wilson is the author of the "Kids in Day Care Services
Act" (KIDS) to give states the flexibility to set their own
child care standards and provide federal tax credits and
incentives to private business for child care.
"KIDS" would expand access to affordable, quality child
care for all American families by establishing refundable tax
credits worth up to $1500 per year for low income families.
"Sen. Pete Wilson recently introduced the
`Kids in Day Care Services Act' to expand child
care services through private sector initiatives
and federal grants to states to improve
quality
of service." -- Del Norte Triplicate 4/5/89
"Wilson's KIDS
bill would, for the most
part, leave [choice] up to the parent. The ABC
bill permits the funds to go where the government
determines.' -- Santa Monica News 5/26/89
Wilson firmly opposes federal legislation that would
give up local control and parental choice, and cost
Californians more to boot.
"California parents could wind up paying an
additional $400 a year for child care if
legislation in Congress is approved, Sen. Pete
Wilson recently told a Senate panel. " -- Hanford
Sentinel 5/24/89
"Following a tour today of the St. Lawrence
The Martyr Child Care Center, Senator Pete Wilson
warned parents [a] bill now under consideration by
Congress would severely restrict their choice of
child care." -- Atascadero News 6/7/89
53
IV. The Business of Government
Administrative ability and ethical responsibility are at
the core of good government. Governing well requires both
efficiency and integrity.
Throughout his career, Pete Wilson has earned a
reputation as a top-drawer administrator and public servant
of the highest caliber.
Conducting the business of government requires the
application of standards and practices that are above average
and beyond reproach.
Throughout a twenty-year career, Pete Wilson has gained
renown as an honest and capable public servant.
As Mayor of San Diego, Wilson kept a tight fist on
government spending. Wilson won approval for a City Charter
amendment limiting city spending, and during his tenure in
City Hall, spending increased only 18 percent. Spending per
capita actually decreased 11 percent.
As Mayor, he also authored and led adoption of one of
the toughest campaign spending measures in the nation. He
was widely regarded as the man who restored integrity to the
scandal-tarnished reputation of San Diego city government.
Wilson has continued his conservative, conscientious
ways as a U.S. Senator, and they have proven to be winning
ways.
In battle after battle, Wilson has fought waste and
fraud in federal government. He has won many, including his
campaign to restore order to the grossly mismanaged military
inventory system -- a victory that saved taxpayers millions
of dollars annually.
His tenacious opposition to spending on Congressional
newsletters is not only an anti-waste campaign, but also an
effort to kill one of Congress' most notorious "perks."
Wilson does not send newsletters himself, nor does he
accept Congressional pay raises. He has striven in every
respect to earn the trust of Californians and to hold
inviolate the faith they have come to place in him.
54
A. Government Efficiency
Tackling waste, fraud and inefficiency in government has
been a Pete Wilson hallmark.
Wilson's dogged pursuit of waste in the military budget
led Sen. Barry Goldwater to name him to head a special task
force on mismanagement of the military's $180 billion
inventory system.
Wilson is also credited with substantially scaling back
spending for the Midgetman missile, which Wilson considers
too expensive for the limited deterrent benefit it offers the
nation's defense.
For local governments, Wilson has been a long-time
leader for efficiency. In the California Assembly, he was an
ardent supporter of the "mandate" bill to put a stop to the
State passing along costly new regulations to localities.
In the U.S. Senate, Wilson fights costly mandates and
wins funds to help implement new laws, such as the 1985
immigration bill. Wilson added millions to the bill to help
localities cover the costs of the amnesty program.
The Wilson/Nickles bill of 1985 saved local governments
millions annually by effectively reversing a Supreme Court
decision forcing states and cities to pay premium overtime
rather than to offer compensatory time off.
Wilson's ongoing investigations of federal grants for
earthquake engineering research by the National Science
Foundation has revealed serious flaws in the process.
It's no wonder Wilson has repeatedly won the "Golden
Bulldog Award" from the "Watchdogs of the Treasury."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
"Budgetary Toughness"
"Wilson, who endeared himself to many fiscal
conservatives
as San Diego's mayor, has lost none
of his budgetary toughness in the U.S. Senate."
SCRIPPS RANCH STAR NEWS 3/6/86
55
Implementing Grace Commission Ideas
"Thanks to your interest -- and support -- a
number of bills were introduced
to implement many
of the recommendations of the Grace Commission."
CITIZENS AGAINST GOVERNMENT WASTE 10/30/86
"A Rose to Wilson"
"A rose
to Sen. Pete Wilson for showing up
on the Senate floor to vote on the
deficit-reduction package just hours after he had
surgery to remove a ruptured appendix." " --
ESCONDIDO TIMES ADVOCATE 5/16/85
Investigating Pentagon Waste
"The armed forces are confronting
the loss
of hundreds of millions of dollars in arms,
ammunition and explosives Congressional scrutiny
began when Senator Pete Wilson asked the GAO to
investigate. " -- NEW YORK TIMES 2/12/87
Looking for Savings
"A leading critic, Senator Pete Wilson,
contends that a system of 1,000 of these
[Midgetman] missiles would cost up to 100 billion
dollars -- more than four times the price of the MX
program. -- U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 9/23/85
"Heroic Efforts"
"Your efforts
were heroic. As Fire Chief of
the City of Riverside I can say for my department
alone its passage avoided the expenditure of
approximately $450,000." -- Richard Bosted, CA
FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION 12/4/85
Oversight Reveals Problems
"Scientists nationwide were stunned when the
NSF chose Buffalo, not Berkeley, [for] a proposed
Earthquake Engineering Research Center
thanks to
inquiries by Sen. Pete Wilson
it has been
discovered that the selection process was
compromised." -- SAN PEDRO NEWS PILOT 12/2/86
56
1. DEFICIT REDUCTION
America continues to experience the longest sustained
period of economic growth since World War II, as inflation
and interest rates have been brought under control and new
job formation has reached record highs. But with economic
recovery has come an evil twin -- the federal debt.
Wilson takes a hard line against federal spending,
voting consistently to cut costs without raising taxes.
"U.S. Senator Pete Wilson is a man after
everyone's heart. He wants to cut federal
expenses." -- Merced Sun Star 6/18/86
Wilson is among the most fiscally conservative members
of the Senate. His annual Congressional voting record has
been consistently lauded by the National Taxpayers Union, and
has repeatedly earned him the following distinctions:
The "Golden Bulldog Award" from the Watchdogs of
the Treasury, a taxpayer group;
** The "Spirit of Enterprise Award" from the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce;
** The "Guardian of Small Business Award" from the
National Federation of Independent Businesses
Touting unpopular budget cuts takes guts, but never more
so than in Wilson's case in 1985, when he left the hospital
32 hours after an emergency appendectomy to cast the crucial
vote for a landmark deficit-cutting measure.
"This was real budget statesmanship. " -- San
Jose Mercury News 5/12/85
"Somebody in Washington finally bit the
bullet." -- Peninsula Times Tribune 5/13/85
"Wilson's midnight ride saved the
package
-- Santa Ana Register 5/16/85
Wilson has repeatedly voted in favor of a constitutional
amendment to require a balanced budget, and to grant the
President line-item veto power for spending bills.
57
2.
MILITARY INVENTORY MISMANAGEMENT
In 1985, Pete Wilson requested a General Accounting
Office (GAO) report on the Navy's inventory practices,
launching what has become an unprecedented individual
campaign to eliminate waste and mismanagement in the
military's inventory system.
Mishandling of the military's billion-dollar inventory
system not only costs taxpayers tens of millions of dollars
annually, but also creates the opportunity for dangerous
weaponry to fall into the hands of criminals and terrorists
due to lax security.
Armed Services Committee Chairman Barry Goldwater in
early 1986 named a special task force headed by Wilson to
launch a world-wide investigation into the problem.
Following a comprehensive analysis of the issue, Wilson
drafted a bill to reform the military inventory system. "The
Defense Supplies Security and Control Reform Act" adopted in
1988 requires the military to modernize facilities, tighten
security, and upgrade controls over ammunition and
explosives.
"I look forward to working with Senator Wilson
on this task force. He is the right person for the
job of trying to find the source of these
problems
The taxpayers of this country
are
very much in his debt for this initiative.
--
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Michigan), Task Force on
Military Inventory Management 7/22/86
II
theft
of weapons, ammunition and
explosives
is virtually out of control
We
agree with California Sen. Pete Wilson, chairman of
the Senate panel studying the problem, that all the
armed services must institute more strict and
effective control and accounting procedures
"
San Mateo Times 8/8/86
"Pilfering Army supplies is so common,
motorcycle gangs buy
grenades for $50 a pop.
Anti-tank weapons go for $1,000 each
it's
impossible to say how much of the military's $160
billion inventory is missing, said Sen. Pete
Wilson
"
--
USA Today 11/13/86
58
3.
MIDGETMAN
Senator Wilson's was the lone voice raised in early 1985
on the cost and effectiveness of the Small Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile (SICBM), better known as the Midgetman.
Wilson not only argued against the huge cost ($40-60
billion) of the small missile program, but also maintained
that the strategic reasoning behind the missile was flawed.
A rail-mobile MX, Wilson asserted, would offer a more
affordable, equally survivable land-based missile force at
the same time it provided a greater deterrent to attack than
the single-warhead Midgetman.
With letters to the President and Congressional leaders,
articles in scholarly journals like "Strategic Review,
Wilson's anti-Midgetman campaign got results.
"A leading critic, Senator Pete Wilson,
contends that a system of
these
[Midgetman]
missiles would cost up to
four times the price
of the MX program.' -- U.S. News and World Report
9/23/85
"Sen. Pete Wilson [is] the leader of a more
conservative group that has increasing doubts about
the Midgetman program." -- Wall Street Journal
3/4/86
"Wilson argues that the huge cost of the small
Midgetman
threatens to delay the new missile or
prevent it from ever being built. -- Issues in
Science and Technology, National Academy of
Sciences
"Congress should be listening to Sen. Pete
Wilson. Wilson's idea
could reduce the cost of
the Midgetman
"
--
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
3/8/86
In 1987, Wilson the Senate to eliminate funds for the
missile, "zeroing" the Midgetman budget. Then, the Air Force
openly announced its opposition to building the missile.
While the Midgetman still has its supporters, Wilson's
position has won widespread support and it appears the
missile will never be built.
59
4. FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT
The 1985 Wilson/Nickles bill saved state and local
taxpayers throughout the country millions of dollars annually
by mitigating the financial burden on state and local
governments resulting from the Supreme Court's Garcia V. San
Antonio Transit Authority decision.
Wilson initiated legislation early in 1985 to restore to
states, cities, and counties the opportunity to continue to
offer "compensatory time" to employees for overtime hours,
rather than mandatory premium overtime pay, as ordered by the
Garcia decision.
Subcommittee Chairman Don Nickles of Oklahoma and Wilson
steered the bill through Congress and the Wilson/Nickles bill
was signed by the President in December of 1985.
For his legislative efforts, as well as his work on
behalf of California local government in general, the
California League of Cities named Wilson "1985 Legislator of
the Year," the first federal official to earn the
distinction.
"Your efforts on behalf of state and local
governments to ameliorate the impact of the 1938
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are greatly
appreciated by the City of Los Angeles
I feel
strongly that local people can identify their
problems and develop workable solutions more
skillfully than people in Washington who do not
have the background in state and local government
which you and I share," -- Mayor Tom Bradley, City
of Los Angeles 1/7/86
"Citing your help in such areas as the FLSA
exemptions
efforts to procure reimbursement to
cities for federally mandated programs
Mayor
Lionel Wilson nominated you for [Legislator of the
Year] and you received unanimous support. Thank
you very much for your continuing recognition of
California cities' needs and for your dramatic
leadership in Washington," Don Benninghoven,
Executive Director of the League of California
Cities 10/18/85
60
5. MANDATES
In the California Assembly, Pete Wilson sponsored SB 90,
a bill to stop the state from passing along the costs of
newly-mandated programs to local government.
As Mayor, Wilson coped with costly federal "mandates"
that passed along the cost and enforcement of new federal
laws to the city government.
In the Senate, Wilson, has doggedly supported the
"Intergovernmental Regulatory Relief Act, II which has been
reintroduced three times in an attempt to require federal
reimbursement of the costs of new federal mandates.
"We think [Wilson] is correct and the proposed
bill is worthy of serious consideration. " --
Crescent City Triplicate 5/17/86
Wilson amended the 1985 Senate immigration bill to
require an additional $50 million annually to cover increased
costs expected to accrue due to the amnesty program.
"We appreciate that you went out of your way
on a very difficult piece of legislation. II -- Ron
Diridon, Chairperson of the Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors 12/19/85
In 1987, Wilson managed to forestall the Reagan
Administration's move to accelerate the schedule for
including local employees under Medicare.
"You are correct
that local governments are
in no position to shoulder yet another financial
burden as contemplated under mandating Medicare
coverage for all state and local government
programs. Your sensitivity and understanding of
local government must be applauded," Buena Park
Mayor Rhonda J. McCune 11/20/87
"
thank you for taking an active role in the
discussion of mandatory Medicare coverage
we must
oppose it unless and until it is fully funded
through the federal budget. CSBA appreciates your
dedication.
-- California School Boards
Association 12/2/87
61
6. EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
"Next, the government will put a hurricane center out in
Kansas," The Wall Street Journal wrote of the National
Science Foundation's decision to locate a new national
earthquake engineering center in Buffalo, New York.
When the NSF bypassed California to award the $50
million center to Buffalo, Senator Wilson called for an
investigation of the NSF decision, noting numerous problems
in the NSF's decision-making process.
"Sen. Wilson is on the right track in trying
to find out why the [NSF] wants to establish a $50
million federal earthquake research center in
Buffalo
"
-- Contra Costa Times 9/25/86
"Sen. Pete Wilson and some California
scientists think a federal grant for earthquake
studies went to New York rather than California on
very shaky grounds. After looking over their
evidence, we agree. -- Los Angeles Times 10/2/86
"Wilson is on solid ground
Californians
should join Wilson in sending protest tremors. "
-- San Francisco Examiner 7/12/87
"Wilson wants the General Accounting Office to
investigate
Our government has made many
colossal blunders over its two centuries of
bureaucratic bungling, but few of this magnitude.
"
-- Antelope Valley Press 10/10/86
As the Buffalo center siphoned away limited funding for
earthquake research from California universities, Wilson
sought more funding. When the Loma Prieta earthquake struck,
Wilson redoubled his efforts to bolster federal support for
earthquake engineering in California.
"Wilson will push for more funds for western
research in light of the Bay Area disaster. Wilson
noted that earthquake engineering funds at UC
Berkeley had dropped UCLA had to stop seismic
testing of bridges and bridge components and [other
universities] also experienced cutbacks," -- The
Washington Post 10/26/89
62
B. Government Integrity
In the tradition of the great California reformer Hiram
Johnson, Pete Wilson has stood on the front lines of ethics
in government for over two decades.
As Mayor of San Diego, Pete Wilson drafted and won City
Council passage of one of the toughest campaign reform
ordinances in the nation.
Wilson's personal finances are an open book. He has
upheld complete financial disclosure, going above and beyond
the legal requirement by releasing annually his income tax
returns. Furthermore, so as to avoid any possibility or
appearance of a conflict of interest, Wilson and his wife
Gayle have placed their assets in a blind trust.
Wilson has declined to accept the pay raises Congress
has voted itself. Instead, he has donated tens of thousands
of dollars in additional pay to California charities. In
addition, Wilson has donated thousands of dollars in speaking
fees to charities.
Wilson's decision not to send Congressional newsletters,
which he believes to be thinly-veiled campaign mailings, has
saved taxpayers millions annually.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Restoring Integrity to City Hall
"Wilson has done an outstanding job
He
restored honor and integrity to the mayor's office
and to a city government that had been battered by
scandal." -- Tom Goff, Columnist, L.A. Times
11/15/82
Lawmakers Should "Follow Wilson's Lead'
"Until other lawmakers begin to follow
Wilson's lead, the crying need for institutional
reform on Capitol Hill will continue." -- GRASS
VALLEY UNION 6/29/89
63
"More Power to Wilson"
"Wilson's call for an amendment blocking a
proposed congressional pay hike
deserves at
least a few whistles and cheers from
taxpayers
More power to Wilson if he can throw a
monkey wrench into the pay raise process." --
THE VALLEY TIMES 1/16/87
Leading the Anti-Pay Raise Lobby
"Wilson had been a ringleader among the
senators who lobbied for a vote to cancel the pay
raise
Wilson denounced the House's `bald-faced
and hypocritical action' in casting a fake vote
against the pay raise one day after the deadline to
block it." -- SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE 2/12/87
"Wilson Deserves Bouquets"
"Sen. Pete Wilson and Sacramento congressmen
Wally Herger and Norman Shumway deserve bouquets
for
opposition to the proposed 16 percent
congressional pay increase." -- SACRAMENTO UNION
Wilson "Has Set An Example"
"California's Sen. Pete Wilson has introduced
legislation to restrict the franking privilege.
And he has set an example by declining to send out
mass mailings." -- CHICO ENTERPRISE RECORD 7/5/89
Fighting Millions for Mailings
"
the mailings, which cost approximately
$125 million a year, could be in serious trouble.
On Sept. 7, the Senate approved, 83-8, an amendment
by Pete Wilson that would eliminate the newsletters
and invest the savings in programs designed to help
drug-addicted mothers
Wilson has long fought
against newsletters." -- NATIONAL JOURNAL 9/23/89
"Wilson Is On the Right Track"
"California Sen. Pete Wilson is on the right
track in taking on congressional mail practices.
--
CONTRA COSTA TIMES 5/1/86
64
V. Human Resources
California is blessed with bountiful natural resources,
to be certain. However, it is not the rich soil or abundant
sunshine but the rich heritage and abundant talent of
Californians themselves that make California "The Golden
State."
If a child with AIDS is denied AZT because his parents
can't afford to buy the drug, or an elderly woman is left
penniless after paying her husband's nursing home bills, or a
widow's children go unfed because she lacks the training to
find a good job, it hurts all Californians.
The suffering or death of one Californian diminishes us
all.
Pete Wilson has consistently extended a helping hand for
Californians in need. He believes government and the private
sector, working together, can and must satisfy the human
needs of all our people.
Wilson has pushed for improved health care services,
from allowing innovative preventive health care approaches by
Medicare beneficiaries, to expanding availability of
long-term health care insurance for Americans concerned about
the high costs of nursing home care.
Wilson's support for elderly citizens includes not only
advocating improved health care delivery but also protecting
Social Security benefits.
Senior citizens should have the right to keep working
and keep earning income without losing their Social Security
benefits, Wilson believes. He's supported legislation to
phase out the earnings cap imposed on working seniors.
For working women, too, Wilson has been a proponent of
equal opportunity. He first endorsed the Equal Rights
Amendment as Mayor of San Diego and has cosponsored the ERA
every year it has been introduced in the Senate.
Wilson has been an advocate of women's rights not only
in the workplace but also in the control of their own bodies.
Wilson supports women's reproductive rights. He is a sponsor
of the Freedom of Choice Act of 1989, and he is a long-time
proponent of funding for family planning programs.
67
A. Health Care
Senator Wilson has been a leader in health care issues,
particularly in proposing and promoting innovative,
affordable approaches to providing quality health care.
Wilson's bill, S. 38, would allow federal employees to
convert their life insurance to long-term health insurance --
at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The large new market
would spur competition among insurance companies to sell more
policies, and in turn, to offer coverage to the general
public at competitive rates.
In its Spring 1988 issue, "Who's Who in Senior Citizen
Health Care Policy," the California Medical Review identified
Senator Wilson as one of the "key Congressmen involved in
health care," noting his long-term care legislation.
Wilson is also a leader in the war on AIDS: he called
for a Presidential Commission on AIDS; he co-authored the
Dole/Wilson AIDS bill; he convinced the Army to turn over a
vacant San Francisco hospital for AIDS care, and he fought
for funding for AZT for low-income AIDS patients.
His advocacy of health care concerns has also included
promoting burn prevention and treatment, easing shortages of
health care providers, lowering the incidence of adverse drug
reactions, and numerous other efforts.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Long- Term Care Bill Earns Attention
"Wilson's bill is the only game in town --
With the House defeat of Pepper's costly long-term
care bill, a budget-neutral version by Sen. Pete
Wilson (R-CA) is gaining attention.' -- The
California Report 6/27/88
and Appreciation
"I sincerely appreciate your interests in
developing a beneficial and affordable long-term
care policy."
--
Congressman Fortney H. (Pete)
Stark (D-CA) 7/8/88
68
"Meaningful and Humane" AIDS Policies
"We would like to thank you
for your
efforts and contribution to the first public
hearings on AIDS/ARC discrimination in the nation.
Your testimony will go a long way toward bringing
an end to AIDS/ARC based discrimination and working
toward meaningful and humane solutions to the
difficult tasks ahead." -- Human Rights
Commission, San Francisco 3/7/86
Coping With The Nursing Shortage
Thank you for your recent efforts to assist
California hospitals to better cope with the
current nursing shortage problem. Your active
support and involvement helped convince the INS to
grant a one-year blanket extension to all foreign
nurses
[including] almost 1, 000 in California."
California Assn. of Hospitals and Health
Systems 6/7/88
Finding Health Professionals for Rural Areas
Thank you for all your help in the recent
designation of
Tehama County as a Health Manpower
Shortage Area
the medically indigent of the
county will now have continuous ready access to
primary health care services." -- Richard Blohm,
M.D. 9/7/86 Sacramento
Support for Trauma Care
"Thank you for the time and effort you have
expended recently on behalf of the trauma system in
San Diego county [and] in helping relieve the
financial problems plaguing our hospitals." " --
David W. Cloyd, M.D., Chairman, Dept. of Trauma,
Palomar Medical Center 12/30/87
Bolstering Burn Units
"Your letter.
weighed heavily in the
Committee's decision to mandate immediate financial
relief to Burn Center Hospitals.' --
M.
Marc
Goldberg, CEO, Sherman Oaks Community Hospital
69
1.
LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE
At an average cost of over $22,000 a year, few Americans
can afford insurance premiums for long-term health care.
In 1988, Congress balked at adopting a bill to finance
long-term care at a cost of $30 billion. The 1989
Catastrophic Health Care Act (which has since been repealed)
did not address long-term care coverage.
Pete Wilson has a better approach. In 1987, Wilson
introduced a plan to allow federal employees to convert their
life insurance equity to purchase long-term care policies.
Wilson's bill, S. 1738, would cost the taxpayers nothing
and create a huge pool of potential policyholders to which
insurance companies would be induced to sell. As more
companies enter the market, competition would expand the
availability of coverage and reduce premiums.
A hearing has been held on Wilson's legislation and
support continues to build. Fifty-five of his Senate
colleagues have cosponsored the bill.
"Sen. Pete Wilson introduced legislation last
fall to provide low-cost, long-term nursing
home/home health care insurance
The beauty of
Wilson's plan is that it wouldn't deprive the
government of income. It deserves a push. --
Peter J. Hayes, Sacramento Union 1/15/88
"Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson is proposing
an old idea with a new twist' to expand
life-insurance policies for federal workers to
include coverage for nursing home costs or other
long-term care." -- UPI 8/28/87
The lack of coverage for long-term care was one of the
concerns that led Wilson to vote to repeal parts of the
catastrophic care bill and the Medicare surtax in 1989. When
Congress revisits the catastrophic care issue in 1990, Wilson
will push for a comprehensive look at long-term care as well.
"Wilson's action is significant because he
now feels that Congress can do better." " -- Frank
McPeak, "We Seniors," Senior Spectrum Weekly,
Sacramento 3/15/89
70
2.
AIDS
Pete Wilson was the co-author, with Sen. Bob Dole, of
the 1986 AIDS bill that served as the blueprint for the
Administration's 1987 AIDS budget and was incorporated into
the AIDS bill passed later that year in Congress.
The Dole/Wilson AIDS bill stressed education, research
and counselling, with emphasis on outreach to ethnic and
racial minority groups such as Hispanics and blacks.
Wilson's long involvement in AIDS issues includes:
**
Wilson was the first Republican to call for a
national panel on AIDS, asking President Reagan
to create a Presidential Commission on AIDS.
"
federal legislation to form a `medical war
cabinet' on AIDS has been proposed by Sen. Pete
Wilson
we urge passage of this badly needed
federal legislation. " -- San Francisco Examiner
"Wilson's several-months battle to convince
the Reagan administration it should take a tougher
approach to the deadly disease by creating a
National AIDS Commission is about to reach its
goal, -- Los Angeles Herald Examiner 4/20/87
It was Wilson who convinced the Army to transfer
its old hospital building in San Francisco to the
City to serve as a model AIDS patient care facility.
"
a notable victory for the city and
Wilson.
" -- Sacramento Bee 9/30/87
Wilson supported the No on 64 forces against the
Lyndon LaRouche-inspired quarantine initiative.
"We would like to express our gratitude to you
for
attending the No on 64 Dinner. [and]
your
commitment to the defeat of the measure,"
Board of Directors, MECLA 10/24/86
Wilson is an original cosponsor of legislation
to help low-income patients pay for AZT, and
has been a leader in the bipartisan effort to
make AZT available to all, regardless of cost.
71
B. The Elderly
Social Security and Medicare are the twin towers
supporting the entire span of services the government makes
available to the elderly. Pete Wilson regards these two
programs as sacred obligations made by this country to the
elderly.
Wilson has cosponsored legislation to insulate the
Social Security Trust Fund from budget politics, and he voted
to exempt Social Security from budget cuts mandated under the
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings bill to require a balanced budget.
He's also cosponsored legislation to increase the Social
Security earnings limit to allow working seniors to keep
their jobs and their dignity.
Wilson has been a leader in health care for the elderly,
too, working to expand health care options for Medicare
beneficiaries through the use of Health Maintenance
Organizations (HMOs) and other innovative approaches to
cost-efficient, quality care.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
"Good to Know Someone Gives a Darn"
"Thank you very much for taking the time and
effort to clear up the misunderstanding with Social
Security for me. It is good to know there is
someone like you in the Senate who does give a darn
about the `little' people and follows through with
action not just empty talk. I am very impressed."
-- Karin I. Reynolds, Westminster 4/22/85
Caring for Alzheimer's Patients
"Your letter of support was invaluable in
securing this grant, and on behalf of the estimated
10, 000 Alzheimer's families residing in San Diego
County, I wish to sincerely thank you, our partner
in easing the burden while finding the cure." --
Alzheimer's Family Center of San Diego 2/86
72
"You Got Action"
"I don't know why it takes you to intervene to
get my Pacemaker checks paid by Medicare, but it
seems to. I hate to bother you but you got
action. I feel sorry for those who don't have your
help." -- William Rosser, San Diego 2/7/86
"What a Big Relief'
"For many months I have been trying to get my
Medicare straightened out
I was ready to give up
when my son said, Mom, call Pete Wilson's office,
they will help you. I finally did
That was
Jan. 17, and on the 24th I received a call
informing me the error had been corrected
What a
big relief to have such an efficient man
working
for people who need help SO desperately. -- Thelma
D. Pearson, Chula Vista 2/18/86
Helping Medicare Patients
"On behalf of the 5,000 Medicare patients that
we serve
,
I would like to thank you
This,
obviously, could not have been completed without
your understanding and assistance." -- Family
Health Foundation of Alviso, Inc. 11/27/89
Assuring Vital Services
"The comprehensive outpatient services
provided to low income seniors at the funded
clinics are vital
The waiver program helps to
assure that these seniors will take a prevention
approach
rather than allowing their health to
deteriorate
thank you for your interest in and
support of our senior population. -- Marilou
Cristina, Director of Aging Services, Catholic
Charities, Santa Clara 12/4/89
"Our Deep Appreciation"
"The Ventura County Council on Aging [extends]
to Senator Pete Wilson our deep appreciation [for
his] valuable active concern
for Senior
problems
-- Resolution of the Ventura County
Council on Aging 1/23/86
73
1.
INCOME
Social Security helps provide financial security to our
nation's elderly, and Pete Wilson has steadfastly supported
this sacred obligation to America's senior population.
Since he came to the Senate in 1983 and voted for the
landmark Commission-drafted plan to save the near-bankrupt
system, Wilson has called for reforms to protect the system.
Wilson sponsored legislation to take the Social Security
Trust Fund "off-budget," because there is always pressure to
play budget politics by cutting benefits to make the deficit
appear smaller or borrowing from the fund to make up for
shortfalls in general revenues.
Wilson voted to exempt Social Security from Gramm-Rudman
spending cuts, maintaining that Social Security is a
self-supporting system funded solely through the Trust Fund
and not by general revenues.
Wilson's 1986 legislation exempted the costs of
mailing Social Security checks from Gramm-Rudman
limits, ensuring prompt mailing of checks.
"The Senate has approved a bill authored by
California Senator Pete Wilson to prevent any
disruption in the mailing of Social Security
checks
"
-- Desert Star 8/20/86
Wilson introduced legislation in 1987 to expose
illegitimate sales schemes for supplemental Medicare
insurance, raising consumer awareness of abuses.
"Many of the gullible elderly are particularly
prone to sales pitches that prey on their
vulnerability. They deserve the protection that is
afforded in Senator Wilson's measure." " -- San
Francisco Chronicle 4/8/87
Wilson's bill to allow homeowners confined to
nursing homes or hospitals to take advantage of a
one-time senior citizen capital gains break
became law in 1988.
Wilson also cosponsored legislation to increase the
earnings limit to allow seniors to keep their jobs.
74
2. PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Preventive health care spares suffering and saves
money. That conviction underlies Pete Wilson's efforts to
adopt preventive federal approaches to providing health care.
Wilson's successful fight to gain a four-year extension
on the Medicare Waiver demonstration program in 1989
prevented the closure of outpatient care clinics for
low-income elderly.
Wilson also ensured the continued provision of needed
health care services to roughly 15,000 elderly residents of
Los Angeles and Orange Counties by securing a legislative
waiver.
"Thank you for your
assistance with the
waiver for the Watts Health Foundation
[to]
enable Watts to continue to provide quality health
care
to the population of south central Los
Angeles. -- Michael R. Pollard, Attorney 12/1/89
"We were delighted to hear of your hard work
and support to extend the Medicare Waiver another
four years. Thank you for your commitment to the
elderly of our community." -- Mexican American
Community Services Agency, Inc , San Jose 12/4/89
Wilson has been the key supporter of demonstration
projects to allow Medicare beneficiares to enroll
in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
When the government cut off service by five
California HMOs to seniors in 1986, Wilson made
sure they had access to interim coverage.
Wilson amended a bill in 1984 to implement a
demonstration program for Social Health Maintenance
Organizations (SHMOs) to provide medical and other
health-related benefits like meals and day care.
Wilson's "Drug Utilization Review Act" would
help pharmacists prevent dangerous drug interactions
by creating a national computer network.
75
C. Women's Rights
Pete Wilson has been unwavering in his support of equal
rights for all, regardless of race, color -- or gender.
Wilson came out early in support of the Equal Rights
Amendment, during his tenure as Mayor of San Diego, and he
has cosponsored the ERA in every session of Congress since
his election to the U.S. Senate.
Wilson's is among those names sure to be counted on the
list of public officials in support of equal opportunity for
women, be it educational or economic.
He supported the "Grove City" bill to retore civil
rights to women in higher education under Title X, and he
voted for landmark legislation to enforce child support laws.
For those women on the lower rungs of the economic
ladder, Wilson was among the sponsors of the 1988 "Family
Security Act" to help train and employ welfare-dependent
women collecting Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a
bill modeled on California's pioneering "workfare" program.
Wilson is also a consistent voice in favor of
reproductive rights for women.
He has voted against. a constitutional amendment to make
abortion illegal and to cut off funding for various family
planning programs.
In 1989, in the wake of the Supreme Court's "Webster"
decision, Wilson among the first to sign onto a bill to
restrict states from abridging a woman's right to terminate a
pregnancy.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PETE WILSON.
Consistent Support
"Wilson consistently has favored abortion
rights and opposed [the] recent decision to cut
funds for family planning clinics."
:
WASHINGTON
POST 1/2/90
76
For Reproductive Freedom
"We at Planned Parenthood of Santa Clara
County want to express our gratitude for your
staunch support of family planning. Thank you for
your consistent votes for reproductive freedom last
term and for your co-sponsorship of the Freedom of
Choice Act
we look forward to your continued
championship of family planning funding and
accessibility
"
--
Linda Williams, Executive
Director, PLANNED PARENTHOOD ASSOC. OF SANTA CLARA
COUNTY 12/28/89
Sponsoring Pro-Choice Law
"Pro-choice members of Congress turned up the
heat yesterday on the abortion debate, introducing
a bill that would prevent states from interfering
with a woman's decision to have an abortion
Sen.
Pete Wilson, R-Calif is a cosponsor of the bill.
"
-- SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE 11/18/89
Guaranteeing the Right to Choose
"We
wish to thank you for
sponsoring
legislation to guarantee a woman's right to
reproductive choice
Your decision
is welcome
news. " -- Gloria J. Potvin, Co-Chair, PLUMAS
COUNTY PRO-CHOICE COALITION 12/16/89
An "Extraordinarily Important Decision"
"Thank you for signing the brief
in Turnock
V. Raqsdale. Your decision to
urge
the
Supreme
Court not to erode a woman's right to reproductive
choice nor to undermine the fundamental right to
privacy is extraordinarily important." -- Faye
Wattleton, President, PLANNED PARENTHOOD 11/30/89
A "Serious Commitment to Women
"Sen. Pete Wilson's recommendation of Superior
Judge Lourdes G. Baird as U.S. Attorney in Los
Angeles is an imaginative and constructive
move
it suggests a serious commitment by Wilson
to less partisan leadership that is more open to
"
women
-- LOS ANGELES TIMES 12/4/89
77
1. EQUAL RIGHTS
Pete Wilson was an early supporter of the Equal Rights
Amendment, publicly announcing his support for the ERA as
Mayor of San Diego, and as a U.S. Senator he has cosponsored
the ERA every year it has been introduced.
As Mayor of San Diego, Wilson created the first
Commission on the Status of Women and implemented the consent
decree signed in 1977 to increase the City's hiring of women.
In addition to his support of the Equal Rights
Amendment, Senator Wilson has supported numerous other
pivotal legislation supporting women's rights.
In 1985, Wilson was an original sponsor of a bill to
overturn the "Grove City" case and restore civil rights
protection to women in higher education under Title IX.
When President Reagan vetoed the "Grove City" bill --
formally known as the "Civil Rights Restoration Act" --
Wilson voted to override the veto in 1988.
In 1984 and 1988, Wilson supported landmark legislation
to require states to attach salaries and wages of parents
defaulting on child support payments and to withhold state
income taxes to enforce court-ordered child support.
"Thank you for your continuing support of the
Equal Rights Amendment. We have appreciated your
proclamations for Women's Equality Day
On behalf
of the women of San Diego, we thank you
Sue
Punjack, President, San Diego County Chapter, NOW
2/4/82
"Sincerest thanks for your support of
California Women Business Owners
--
U.S. Small
Business Administration 8/2/84
"President Reagan has decided to nominate
Orange County attorney Alicemarie Stotler for a
federal judgeship
She would become the fourth
woman among federal judges in the district.
Stotler' nomination
was recommended by Sen. Pete
Wilson
The Los Angeles Times 4/4/84
78
2. REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
"Government does nothing wise or good if it
enacts laws that force otherwise law-abiding
citizens to resort to illegal and dangerous acts.
"
Pete Wilson
For over twenty years in public office, Pete Wilson has
supported a woman's right to choose.
In 1967, as a member of the California State Assembly,
Wilson supported the Therapeutic Abortion Act, which made
abortion legal in California.
"
Wilson consistently supported the
pro-choice' position on abortion as a California
assemblyman, as San Diego mayor and even during his
statewide campaigns 11 -- San Diego Union 6/29/83
In 1989, as a Senator, Wilson joined in a Supreme Court
case and sponsored legislation to help protect the right to
choose -- signing a legal brief in the Turnock V. Ragsdale
case and introducing the "Freedom of Choice Act" in Congress.
"Thank you for your decision to join in the
Ragsdale case. It is a significant and vital
statement that Roe V. Wade should stand."
--
National Abortion Rights Action League 11/8/89
"
our deepest thanks for your sponsorship of
the Freedom of Choice Act
[to] assure states
could not undermine reproductive rights of women. "
-- Planned Parenthood, Shasta-Diablo 12/7/89
In the Senate, Wilson has also:
voted against a constitutional amendment to
criminalize abortion;
opposed bans on the distribution of contraceptive
devices to minors, and voted against cuts in funding
for school-based health clinics;
cosponsored reauthorization of Title X family
planning legislation, and supported continuing
aid to international family planning efforts.
79
U.S. Senator Pete Wilson's Offices
WASHINGTON, D.C.
720 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3841
LOS ANGELES
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite 915
Los Angeles, California 90025
213-209-6765
SAN FRANCISCO
250 Sutter Street
Suite 400
San Francisco, California 94102
415-556-4307
SAN DIEGO
401 B Street
Suite 2209
San Diego, California 92101
619-557-5257
FRESNO
Federal Building
1130 0 Street
Room 4015
Fresno, California 93721
209-487-5727
ORANGE COUNTY
4590 MacArthur Boulevard
Room 220
Newport Beach, California 92660
714-756-8820
80
Pete Wilson for Governor Offices
SAN DIEGO
2251 San Diego Avenue
Suite B-200
San Diego, California 92110
(619) 260-1990
LOS ANGELES
Post Office Box 91097
Los Angeles, California 90009
(213) 216-6070
SACRAMENTO
1900 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(916)-446-5140
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY PETE WILSON FOR GOVERNOR 1990
I.D. No. 89-0351
THIS DOCUMENT WAS NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
81