Davis elected new governor

By Jimmy Chai, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, November 4, 1998

LOS ANGELES - Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis won his bid for California State Governor yesterday surpassing Republican Dan Lungren by a moderate margin, according to the latest poll results. Davis will succeed current long-time California Governor Pete Wilson.

"I know [Lungren] wishes the best for the state," said Davis in his victory speech at the Regal Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. "Dan Lungren is a descent person even though our views are

different."

Davis, who has been working within the government for over two decades, is the first Democratic candidate to become governor in 16 years.

"It has been a long journey," Davis said. "But it doesn't get any

better than this."

Davis assured the hundreds cheering in attendance that he will stick to his campaign promises.

"I will pursue education with tenacity," Davis said. "Public schools will be restored to greatness. I will keep the economy going, give women the right to choose, ban assault weapons, and bring people together."

"He is great for the school," said Pam Mason, a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. "I've never been so excited."

Davis proved himself as a supporter of education during his years as lieutenant governor, said Paul Minassian, a Whittier College student.

Davis' election comes as a boost for the Democratic party, which many feel lost steam due to the Clinton-Lewinsky controversy.

Davis assures California will take a moderate path to the future.

California has its first Latino Lieutenant Governor in history, said Davis. Democratic Lieutenant Governor-elect Cruz M. Bustamante will work with Davis on issues.

"Duty and service have always been a big part of my life," Davis said. " That's who I am. That's how I ran. That's how I will govern."