|
Analysts said the results reflected a generalized anger at failed policies
of the entire political system in the state capital of Sacramento. "I
think this is a case of misdirected anger, but a valid anger nonetheless,"
Janet Clayton, editorial page editor of the Los Angeles Times, told CNN. Within
an hour of the polls closing, candidates began offering concession speeches and
pledging to work with the Governor-elect Schwarzenegger. Democratic Lt.
Governor Cruz Bustamente, who will retain his position in the new administration,
conceded his defeat, but also pledged to work with the new governor. State
Sen. Tom McClintock, a conservative Republican who refused to drop out of the
race despite urging from fellow party members, told supporters that he had called
Schwarzenegger and "pledged to him my wholehearted support." "In
response to a common danger, the people of California rose to their duties and
ordered a new direction for our state," McClintock said. But some officials
warned that new governor would still face massive challenges.
 Schwarzenegger
will be "dealing with two political parties that are at each
other's throats. He's dealing with a very large deficit, the largest
of any state in the history of America," Oakland Mayor Jerry
Brown, a former California Governor, told The Associated Press.
More than 60 percent of the voters, far more than
the 51 percent that voted to reelect Davis in November 2002, cast ballots in the
special election. Given the volume of absentee votes and complexity of the
ballot, state officials said it would likely take several weeks to officially
certify the results. Also in Tuesday's election, voters overwhelmingly rejected
Proposition 54 which would have banned the collection or analysis of racial information
in public education, contracting and employment. The proposal, which supporters
said would help create a colorblind society and opponent charge is an attack on
anti-discrimination policies, would have been the first of its kind in the nation. --
Lee Banville, Online NewsHour | 
Davis,
an embattled Democrat who was reelected in November with less
than 50 percent of the vote, conceded defeat, telling supporters
he had accepted the decision of the state's voters.
"Everything
I have is because of California," Schwarzenegger said, in
claiming victory. "I came here with absolutely nothing, and
California has given me absolutely everything. And today, California
has given me the greatest gift of all, you have given me your
trust by voting for me."
I think we've been witnessing violence for years, whether in reality through the media or through video games, and I don't think that's a first-hand effect.
