Statements on the recall of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and the
election of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger as his replacement:
``I believe in the people of California and I know we can do
great things. I know together we can make this again the greatest
state of the greatest country in the world.'' Gov.-elect Arnold
Schwarzenegger told a crowd of supporters during his victory
speech.
``We have tough choices ahead. The first choice that we must
make is the one that will determine our success. Shall we rebuild
our state together or shall we fight amongst ourselves, create even
deeper divisions and fail the people of California? Well let me
tell you something, the answer is clear. For the people to win,
politics as usual must lose.'' Schwarzenegger.
``Tonight the voters have decided it's time for someone else to
serve ... I accept their judgment. ... I am calling on everyone in
this state to put the chaos and the division of the recall behind
us and do what's right for this great state of California.'' Gov.
Gray Davis.
``Arnold, you're very famous for making movies all over the
world. I want you to feel free to continue doing that. Go where you
like. Feel free to stay as long as you like. I'll be here, keeping
an eye on things.'' Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, reacting to
Schwarzenegger's victory.
``This is a great day for California. History will record on
this day in response to a common danger, the people of California
rose to their duties as citizens and ordered a new direction for
our state ... I believe that our campaign acted as the conscience
of this election. That we framed the issues on which this contest
was ultimately decided.'' Gubernatorial candidate and Republican
state Sen. Tom McClintock, in his concession speech.
``I think the people are believing he's going to be some
anti-politician. He's a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, being guided
by the Republican Party. So the only thing California is going to
get is a Republican governor.'' Jesse Ventura, former Minnesota
governor and professional wrestler.
``This has been a big victory for the Green Party because of the
exposure we received. I think the failure of the Democratic Party
is totally transparent. Republicans are making many inroads.''
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo.
``What happened today in California should make everybody in
Sacramento stand back and understand that this is no longer
business as usual. And we now have a governor-elect who can go over
the heads of the Legislature directly to the people, and that's a
good thing.'' Republican state Sen. James Brulte.
``To quote Jackie Gleason, 'How sweet it is.'''
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., a one-time recall candidate who
bankrolled the effort to get the recall on the ballot.
``I voted for the winner. Congratulations to Arnold. Hopefully
he does a good job. I had dream one time that Arnold was governor,
Magic (Johnson) was mayor and I was sheriff. Only in L.A.'' Los
Angeles Laker Shaquille O'Neal, reacting to the results before the
team's first exhibition game in Hawaii.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)