Candidate for
Governor; State of California; Democratic Party

Top Priority. As Governor, my top priority will be coordinating with the president to crush terrorism. As a bipartisan Democrat, I'll protect California's economy, critical infrastructures, and democratic freedoms. I'm pro-defense. I will hold terrorists responsible. And I will work hard to ensure that all Californians have access to high-paying jobs, educational excellence, quality health care, affordable housing, efficient transportation and a safe environment so everyone remains invested in the American Dream. As Governor, I won't put political fundraising goals before public interests. I'll use bipartisanship to lead California to a brighter future--with integrity money can't buy, before or after the election.

Economic Strength. Careful economic stewardship and fiscal responsibility are critical to guarantee that California's economic prosperity remains strong. While California's economy is the 5th largest in the world and one of the most diverse economies anywhere, the downturn in the technology sector combined with the energy crisis and recent national events have challenged the State's economic strength. As Governor, I'll ask all programs statewide to tighten their belts by 10% to balance the State budget and look for nonessential programs to redirect funds to improve security and protect California's economy. We will all need to work together with patriotism in our hearts to adapt to our changing economic circumstances--as Californians did so successfully during the energy crisis.

Educational Excellence. Democrats and Republicans finally agree on the necessity of educational excellence, not only in California but across our nation. In addition to supporting many excellent programs already in the implementation pipeline, I will follow Senator Dianne Feinstein's lead in promoting dramatic school-size reductions. The number one difference between private schools and public schools is smaller schools that promote community safety and familiar learning environments. Too many of our public schools serve thousands of students in an unfamiliar, unfriendly, and uneasy atmosphere. We need to invest in providing educational excellence for everyone. It's the right thing to do and it's the financially responsible thing to do, because poor schools produce expensive long-term problems.

Quality Health Care. Quality health care is vital not only for our families and our local communities but also for national security. I will work with local, State, and national officials to ensure that all Californians have access to the care they need at costs that are affordable--for families, health care providers, and community budgets.

Affordable Housing. Nowhere is the American Dream of owning one's home more difficult to achieve than in California, where home ownership rates fall below 50% statewide. I will coordinate real estate developers, community leaders, and public housing agencies to promote the widespread development of affordable housing in livable communities.

Efficient Transportation. Efficient transportation is an everyday necessity for all of us and for our continued economic prosperity. Throughout California, traffic congestion wastes valuable time not spent with our families, on the job, or improving our quality of life. I'll support transportation improvement projects to promote efficient transit throughout California.

A Safe Environment. Environmental protection is good for the economy. Citizens everywhere want to live and work in a safe environment. And in the era of globalization, environmental safety serves as a magnet for prosperous communities and the businesses they create ... that keep California and our economy strong. We must all remain vigilant in protecting our natural commodities, our clean air, clean water, parks, open space, wildlife, and all our natural resources.

Ending Predatory Credit Card Lending. I will put an end to the combative and unethical practices used by predatory banks and credit card companies to trap consumers into expensive long-term and/or lifetime debt.

Bipartisan Leadership. As Governor, I will conduct cabinet meetings with all Democratic and Republican statewide constitutional officers--not just gubernatorial appointees and political favorites. Especially during times of national crisis, we need everyone at the table working together to snuff-out terrorism and protect our State's economic prosperity.