By Community Alliance staff
On Sept. 9, Governor Gavin Newsom stopped in Fresno as part of his political tour in support of the “No” on the recall election to take place on Sept. 14. He visited the headquarters of the Carpenters Local 701 Union where he addressed dozens of volunteers phone banking registered voters to vote “no” on Sept. 14.
The “Recall Newsom” campaign was created by conservatives wanting to retake California. The last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003–2011).
“This is about life and death. This is a serious moment in our history,” said Newsom to the crowd. He made direct references to Larry Elder, the leading conservative candidate, saying he represents the opposite of everything Californians believe in.
Elder, among other statements, has expressed his opposition to the minimum wage and promised not to require state workers to get vaccinated if elected. And he doesn’t believe in the effectiveness of wearing masks to control the spread of the virus.
Elder is a former conservative radio DJ without any political background.
“Racial justice is on the ballot. Social justice is on the ballot. Economic justice is on the ballot. Environmental justice is on the ballot. Worker’s rights are on the ballot, women’s rights are on the ballot,” said Newsom.
In a way, this is true. Elder opposes the recent expansion of Medi-Cal, health coverage for low-income people and undocumented immigrants.
The iconic Latina leader Dolores Huerta was part of the event and addressed the crowd asking people to vote to stop a Republican takeover of the state.
Later, Newsom traveled to Los Angeles where he addressed a coalition of minority voters running a big get-out-the-vote operation for the Stop the Recall campaign. The Million Voters Project Action Fund (MVPAF) includes Latino, AAPI, Black, and young voters.
If the recall election were held today, 58% say they would vote “no” on removing Newsom, whereas 39% of California likely voters say they would vote “yes” to remove Newsom from office (Public Policy Institute of California).
All photos by Peter Maiden.
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