KFI-AM:
"This guy's for real."
(7-30-03)
NPR's
All
Things Considered:
"Brian Flemming plans to run as a Democrat with what seems like an unprecendented platform."
Los Angeles Times:
"[Brian
Flemming] announced he will run on a
promise to resign in favor of Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante."
Long
Beach Press Telegram:
"...[Brian Flemming's]
sole platform would be, if elected, to
resign so Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante would become governor. "
San
Jose Mercury News:
"The way Flemming sees it, Californians decided in November that
Bustamante should take over if Davis leaves office. But since Bustamante
isn't on the ballot, Flemming is doing it for him. "
INDIE FILMMAKER TAKES ON ARNOLD IN THE RACE FOR GOVERNOR
Listed at Politics1
Atrios:
"I do like this guy's entire platform."
Patt Morrison:
"[I] love it!"
indieWIRE:
"With
politicians on both sides of the aisle jockeying for position, Democrat
Flemming has adopted a rather
straightforward approach."
Natalie Davis:
"The
point behind the campaign is that under the guise of 'recall,' the
California GOP is, in effect, usurping the will of the voters --
something we know all too well from the presidential fiasco of 2000.
Californians put Gray Davis and Cruz Bustamante into office. If Davis
ends up being ousted, the people deserve to have the number-two man,
Bustamante, succeed Davis. Brian Flemming's plan, one hopes, would make
that happen."
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GOV.
CANDIDATE BRIAN FLEMMING WITHDRAWS FROM RACE
LOS ANGELES, August 7, 2003 --
Democrat Brian Flemming announced today that he has withdrawn from the
California governor's race. His decision was prompted by Lt. Gov. Cruz
Bustamante's entrance into the field.
"My
thanks to everyone who volunteered for and supported my campaign," said
Flemming. "My platform, 'If elected, I will resign,' was intended to put
Bustamante into the governor's office. I am pleased that Bustamante now
intends to do this himself. On Oct. 7 I plan to vote against the recall,
and then cast my vote for the lieutenant governor.
"With
a cast of characters out of some absurdist drama, including Angelyne
and even less credible candidates such as bodybuilder and inarticulate
popcorn-movie actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bustamante is the only sane
backup plan for any Californian, Democrat or otherwise.
"As
the press oddly predicts that it will give Mr. Schwarzenegger reams of
'free publicity,' I hope reporters, editors and producers remember that
the fate of this great state hangs in the balance. Nobody deserves a
free pass, and every candidate, whether lieutenant governor or
kindergarten cop or professional wrestler, needs to be held to the
highest standards."
Flemming's
candidacy, announced only 12 days ago, electrified California with its
unique premise and garnered coverage in the Los Angeles Times, the San
Jose Mercury News and National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."
Flemming now returns his attention to his critically acclaimed feature
film "Nothing So Strange,"
which will be released in theaters later this year.
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MAIN TEXT ORIGINALLY POSTED AT THIS SITE:
Dear California voter,
In November 2002, the people of our state decided who should become
governor if Gov. Gray Davis were to leave office. That person is Lt.
Gov. Cruz M. Bustamante.
However, the Lt. Gov. is refusing to run on the recall ballot, out of
solidarity with the Democratic party.
While Cruz Bustamante's loyalty is admirable, his (and other major
Democrats') refusal to run will likely leave those of us who are opposed
to the recall with few credible options on the second part of the recall
ballot. As many experts have pointed out, should Davis lose the recall
vote, it is quite possible that a Republican with a small minority of
votes could take the governor's office.
My candidacy is designed to address this looming threat.
If elected, I will immediately resign. This action will make Lt. Gov.
Cruz M. Bustamante the governor of California.
This is the entirety of my platform. I take no position on any issue
other than the recall.
I know that asking for your vote is asking for you to support a radical
action. Normally, I would say such a vote would be crazy.
But we are in crazy times. There is a very real possibility that a
Republican or worse could be our state's governor on October 8.
If Lt. Gov. Cruz M. Bustamante takes the governor's office, even by
unusual means, that will be by far the best result for our state and our
democracy.
We must fight the right-wing
assault on our democracy. Please consider giving me your vote, and I
promise to give it directly to Lt. Gov. Cruz M. Bustamante.
Make Brian Flemming your backup plan.
A vote for Brian Flemming is a vote for Cruz Bustamante.
A vote for Brian Flemming is a vote for democracy.
If elected, I will resign.
Sincerely,
Brian
Flemming
Lifelong Democrat
Lifelong Californian
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