Making Nice

Democratic Senate Leader Don Perata on the special election: “Early turnout reports show voters are taking this election seriously. Regardless of the outcome, I believe we must all be prepared to turn the page quickly on this long and divisive special election and immediately start working together on the issues that matter most to California. I’ve already written to the Governor offering to join forces in fighting to protect California from potentially devastating cuts being proposed in Congress. I will also be sharing with him some concerns prior to his departure for China that any new trade commitments fully respect both future lawmaking authority and California's existing laws on environmental safety and public health. Additionally, Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman and I have already agreed to meet and discuss opportunities for bipartisan efforts in the coming year. Win, lose or draw for either side, it’s time for the Governor and the legislature to get back to the basics of what this state needs: better schools, sufficient health care, usable roads and affordable energy.”