Skip to main content
CNN EditionInside Politics
The Web    CNN.com     
Powered by
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SERVICES
 
 
 
SEARCH
Web CNN.com
powered by Yahoo!

Calif.'s Davis says he won't resign

'I have an obligation'

California Gov. Gray Davis:
California Gov. Gray Davis: "I'm not going to retreat."

Story Tools

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Dismissing a recall effort as "divisive partisan mischief," embattled California Gov. Gray Davis said Monday he would "absolutely not" step aside even if his gubernatorial tenure goes before voters as a referendum.

"I'm not going to retreat," Davis, a Democrat, vowed in an interview with CNN's "Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics."

Davis, re-elected in November to a second term, said he is "working hard on the job" during what he described as "difficult days" for California, suffering from a weak economy.

In large part, the recall effort is being paid for by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, a possible contender to replace Davis. Another possible GOP rival is actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Recall supporters say they have gathered about 800,000 signatures. They need about 100,000 more signatures to force a special election.

Over the weekend, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she was not interested in replacing Davis. Other high-profile California Democrats have done the same.

Davis said he welcomed the Democratic unity.

Asked specifically if he would step aside if the recall effort reached the ballot, Davis replied "absolutely not."

He added, "7 million people went to the polls last November ... and asked me to be governor of this state for four more years, and I have an obligation to them."


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
Top Stories
Panel: Spy agencies in dark about threats
Top Stories
CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards
 
 
 
 

International Edition
CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise With Us About Us
SEARCH
   The Web    CNN.com     
Powered by
© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
All external sites will open in a new browser.
CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
Add RSS headlines.