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Sacramento Bee Columnist Daniel Weintraub

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July 31, 2003

Gray won't take the money

Gray's been getting hammered for refusing to say he wouldn't take taxpayer reimbursement for his campaign costs if he beats the recall. He just announced that he won't take the money, and in a clever twist, has challenged his "millionaire" opponents to promise to help pay for the recall if they lose. Of course they won't, but it's a good line that I am sure you will hear again.

It's too bad, because this was a great story line. The special interests could invest in Gray one more time, then, if they saved his rear, not only would he be indebted to them but they'd get a refund! Not to be.

Here's the statement:

"Over the past several weeks, it has become clear just how much this recall effort is costing the state. Estimates range up to $60 million just to hold the election.

The state's constitution allows my campaign to be reimbursed by the state when I defeat this.

I have decided not to seek any reimbursements because I know that taxpayer money would be better spent on our kids' schools, health care and public safety.

In addition, I'm issuing this challenge to the millionaire Republicans - Michael Huffington, Darrell Issa, Richard Riordan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger - who are currently considering a candidacy.

Should they lose, I challenge them to pledge to reimburse the taxpayers an amount equal to the amount they spend on their campaigns.

This will help the taxpayers defray the cost of this extraordinarily expensive recall election."
NOTE. An earlier version of this item said Gray's campaign was the only source for his $60 million estimate. A reader points out that Secretary of State Kevin Shelley has updated his estimate to between $53 million and $66 million. See the new estimate of county costs here. State costs are added on top of that.