The people of California have decided to put their trust in the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, by electing him as their new Governor.
In the same ballroom where another movie star, Ronald Reagan, learned that he had become president in 1980, Arnie promised not to let the people of California down. "I will not fail you," he declared to rapturous applause. "I will not disappoint you. The answer is clear. For people to win, 'politics as usual' must lose."
The actor's victory comes after Republican activists triggered a controversial recall vote. It was the first time in California state history that a Governor had been ousted in this manner, but high levels of unemployment and an $8-billion budget deficit had led to widespread disaffection with incumbent Democrat Gray Davis.
At the close of voting, 55 per cent of voters wanted Davis out and Arnie led his nearest rival by two-to-one. The muscle-bound star, who was running on a Republican ticket, promised to work with his opponent, nonetheless. "I know that together we can make this the greatest state in the greatest country in the world," he said.
Davis, meanwhile, also pledged his full cooperation. "We've had a lot of good nights over the last 20 years but tonight the people decided it was time for someone else to serve and I accept their judgement… He will have the full cooperation of my administration in the transition."
The news that America's most populous state will have a Republican governor also comes as a boost for President Bush, as he gears up for his own election campaign. "I'll work with him, absolutely," said the president. "He has obviously waged a spirited campaign and has captured a lot of people's imagination."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
