| In the interest of speed and timeliness, this story is fed directly from the Associated Press newswire and may contain spelling or grammatical errors. |
Statements on the recall of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and the election of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger as his replacement:
``I believe in the people of California and I know we can do great things. I know together we can make this again the greatest state of the greatest country in the world.'' Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger told a crowd of supporters during his victory speech.
``We have tough choices ahead. The first choice that we must make is the one that will determine our success. Shall we rebuild our state together or shall we fight amongst ourselves, create even deeper divisions and fail the people of California? Well let me tell you something, the answer is clear. For the people to win, politics as usual must lose.'' Schwarzenegger.
``Tonight the voters have decided it's time for someone else to serve ... I accept their judgment. ... I am calling on everyone in this state to put the chaos and the division of the recall behind us and do what's right for this great state of California.'' Gov. Gray Davis.
``Arnold, you're very famous for making movies all over the world. I want you to feel free to continue doing that. Go where you like. Feel free to stay as long as you like. I'll be here, keeping an eye on things.'' Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, reacting to Schwarzenegger's victory.
``This is a great day for California. History will record on this day in response to a common danger, the people of California rose to their duties as citizens and ordered a new direction for our state ... I believe that our campaign acted as the conscience of this election. That we framed the issues on which this contest was ultimately decided.'' Gubernatorial candidate and Republican state Sen. Tom McClintock, in his concession speech.
``I think the people are believing he's going to be some anti-politician. He's a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, being guided by the Republican Party. So the only thing California is going to get is a Republican governor.'' Jesse Ventura, former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler.
``This has been a big victory for the Green Party because of the exposure we received. I think the failure of the Democratic Party is totally transparent. Republicans are making many inroads.''
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo.
``What happened today in California should make everybody in Sacramento stand back and understand that this is no longer business as usual. And we now have a governor-elect who can go over the heads of the Legislature directly to the people, and that's a good thing.'' Republican state Sen. James Brulte.
``To quote Jackie Gleason, 'How sweet it is.'''
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., a one-time recall candidate who bankrolled the effort to get the recall on the ballot.
``I voted for the winner. Congratulations to Arnold. Hopefully he does a good job. I had dream one time that Arnold was governor, Magic (Johnson) was mayor and I was sheriff. Only in L.A.'' Los Angeles Laker Shaquille O'Neal, reacting to the results before the team's first exhibition game in Hawaii.