CA Recall

[Guest guest]

I haven't seen this posted and I have no intention of starting an argument or

discussion over the recall. I just thought I'd let the list know that PawPac,

California's Political Action Committee for animals has rated Gray Davis an A+

in most years. His ratings have been the highest of any candidate who has a

record. I was surprised to find this out and thought I'd share it.

 

Here is their press release:

 

 

http://www.pawpac.org/october7120031votenoontherecall/

 

VOTE NO ON THE RECALL

 

 

Dear Friends of Paw PAC,

 

California is fortunate to have Paw PAC in times like this when animal advocates

need to know the legislative records of candidates. Since we issued our first

annual Voting Chart in 1981, we can consider the histories of Governor Gray

Davis, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, and Senator Tom McClintock on the

animal bills that came before them for votes.

 

Governor Gray Davis:

 

Paw PAC endorsed Gray Davis for Governor in 1998 and 2002. Some of the many

good bills he's signed cover animal abandonment, live animal markets, rodeos,

animal testing, breeders, guard dog companies, animal blood banks, pets in

housing, pet shops, trappers, antifreeze, and cockfighting. He has protected and

enlarged wildlife habitat, parks, and coastal protection. His recall is opposed

by environmental organizations. He was an Assemblyman 1982 - 1986 during which

time he was an excellent vote for animals. As Governor he has received an A

every year with one exception. In 2001 he received a B due to his appointment of

Mike Flores, an avid archery hunter, to the Fish & Game Commission who has since

worked very hard and successfully to increase hunting at every opportunity. For

instance, on the Governors desk right now is AB 396, a bill the Commission

supports under Flores Chairmanship, to open up thousands or even millions of

acres of private land to hunters through a Fish & Game program in spite of the

fact California is losing wardens to 1960 level. We have approximately 350

wardens. We need at least 1,000. We hope Governor Davis will veto AB 396 (State

Capitol Building, Sacramento, Cal. 95814, 916/445-2841, 916/445-4633 fax,

governor). His appointment of Fish & Game Commissioner Mike

Flores and Department Director Robert Hight (another disappointment) affects

millions of animals, and he needs to know that an issue as important as this can

affect your support for him as Governor.

 

Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante:

 

Cruz Bustamante was an Assemblyman 1993 1998. During that time his Paw PAC

grades ranged from A to F. His record is particularly bad on endangered species.

But he has been endorsed by environmental organizations in case the recall

passes. This year Governor Davis signed SB 732 to raise the penalty against

cockfighting. Would Bustamante have signed it? (A cockfighters website urged all

cockers to attend a Bustamante rally in Fresno.) Would Bustamante support

legislation to include charreadas (Mexican rodeos) under the current law on

rodeos? His membership in MECha (whose slogan is For the race everything. For

those outside the race, nothing.) makes us skeptical.

 

Senator Tom McClintock:

 

Tom McClintock was an Assemblyman 1982 1992 and Senator 2000 to present. He has

voted against many important animal bills, and his votes have gotten worse over

the years. This year he will receive his usual F on the Paw PAC Voting Chart.

McClintock opposes laws and regulations on businesses. Most bills to improve

conditions for animals require some expenditures and government oversight. Paw

PAC did not endorse McClintock in 1994 or in 2002 in his unsuccessful bids for

State Controller. It is doubtful he would sign any good bills or veto any bad

ones if he were elected Governor.

 

Arnold Schwarzenegger:

 

Like everyone else, Paw PAC knows nothing of Schwarzeneggers positions,

particularly on animals. Former gubernatorial candidate Richard Riordan stated

at a recent event that his friend Arnold loves his dogs. He has been endorsed by

the California Farm Bureau, an organization that regularly opposes animal

welfare legislation.

 

Peter Camejo and Arianna Huffington:

 

Paw PAC supports the environmental ideals of the Green Party and Arianna

Huffingtons advocacy of fuel-efficient cars (animals have to breathe, too). But

like Schwarzenegger, they have no legislative records to examine.

 

 

---------------

 

 

Paw PAC examines the candidates only as to their positions on animals and the

environment. We are the only animal organization in California to publish annual

Voting Records, make endorsements and give contributions to candidates for state

offices.

 

As we look forward to the publication of our 2003 Voting Record and March 2004

Primary, we need your endorsement of our efforts and your contribution to Paw

PAC more than ever. (Note: Donations to Paw PAC are not tax-deductible.)

 

 

Vote on October 7