The California Democratic Congressional Delegation continues to strongly oppose the recall of California’s Governor Gray Davis.

Less than a year ago, Californians went to the polls by the millions and chose a governor. The recall petition, paid for by Republicans who lost that election, has succeeded in forcing a new election and plunging California into political and economic uncertainty it can’t afford. The millions of dollars being spent on the recall election could be better invested in California’s future - getting the economy back on track, strengthening schools, and preserving the environment.

The proper role for recall elections is to remove elected officials who have engaged in serious misconduct or criminal activity. That is clearly not the case here.

We will strongly express our firm opposition to this misguided effort between now and election day and we will strongly campaign against it. In addition, we ask that after Californians vote “NO” and reject the recall, they cast a vote for Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante. We believe that whenever there is an election, Californians should always cast their vote.

Lt. Governor Bustamante was duly elected just 10 months ago to take over the Governor’s job if a vacancy occurred in that office. Lt. Governor Bustamante is an independent, highly qualified, committed public servant, whose values include support for education, fighting for good jobs and a better economy, protecting the environment, and defending civil rights and the rights of women. Californians have not stopped supporting those values in the last ten months.

We strongly oppose the recall, but if California voters make a different choice, then Lt. Governor Bustamante is the appropriate person to assume the office.

Zoe Lofgren (CA-16th District)
Member of Congress
Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation



Note: The California Democratic Congressional Delegation consists of 33 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California. This group outnumbers all other state House delegations - Republicans and Democrats combined.