Democrats pitch their candidate

By Ana Tintocalis, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 28, 1998

The often vacant Speaker's Platform located outside the University Bookstore was decked out with colorful balloons and banners Monday afternoon to welcome Sharon Davis, wife of gubernatorial candidate Gray Davis, who urged students to vote in the upcoming elections.

Davis was joined by Associated Students Inc. President Christy Zamani and city councilman Alan Lowenthal, a psychology professor at Cal State Long Beach who is running for State Assembly, to help get the message out.

"I think people need to be educated about where the candidates stand," Davis said.

"For students, it's particularly important because they are going to be leaving college and they want to make sure they've elected a governor who will be a force in creating jobs," she said.

With just six more days left until election day, Davis did her part to rally support for her husband's campaign this year.

"I just have one question for you," Davis said as she spoke to the crowd. "Are you ready to elect a democrat governor for the state of California? Then I have a candidate for you."

Davis also highlighted the key issues of her husband's political campaign this year, which include supporting public education, a woman's right to choose, the environment and an assault weapon ban.

"Gray Davis will bring leadership to this state that is desperately, desperately needed," Davis said.

"He'll bring leadership that will recognize the important work of all working people from janitors to CEOs," Davis said.

Davis told the crowd that in order for this election year to be successful, citizens must overcome feelings of complacency, apathy and indifference when it comes time to vote.

The event, which was sponsored by the California Faculty Association and the California State Employees Association, included a free barbecue that attracted students from every corner of the campus to attend the rally.

One of the students standing in the food line that extended past the Bookstore was history major Victor Rios.

"I originally came for the free food," Rios said. "But it was good to hear what she [Davis] had to say and what the candidate's position is."

The California state elections will be held Nov. 3.