Pelosi Statement on the California Recall Election

October 8, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the results of the California recall election:

"This election was about jobs and the economy. Among the main arguments used against Governor Davis was that he inherited record surpluses and turned them into record deficits and presided over a weak economy that has lost jobs.

"President Bush should take heed of that message. The American people are anxious about the economy and increasingly angry at his failed leadership. The President’s reckless economic policies have resulted in record joblessness and record deficits. Since President Bush took office, 3.2 million jobs have been lost nationwide, including more than 275,000 jobs in California. These job losses have significantly impacted the economy of our country and our state.

"Now that the voters have spoken, Democrats will work with Governor-elect Schwarzenegger. Where we have common ground with the Governor-elect, we will certainly support his efforts. When we disagree with him, we will respectfully stand our ground. We will always fight for California, for growing the economy, for investing in education, and for protecting the environment.

"With the overwhelming defeat of Proposition 54, Californians rightfully rejected a misguided initiative that would have prohibited the collection of information essential to planning and implementing sound public policy."

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