FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -------------------------- Of interest to editors and journalists covering the 2003 California Recall Election. NEWLY ANNOUNCED RECALL CANDIDATE WILL RETAIN DAVIS IN GOVERNOR'S ROLE MARTINEZ, Calif. - Aug. 6, 2003 (Send2Press Newswire) -- Attorney Paul Mariano has announced his candidacy for governor on a platform of both opposition to the recall election and a commitment to retaining Governor Gray Davis in his current leadership role. If elected, Mariano vows to decline residence in the governor's mansion, refuse any salary and allow the continuation of the rightfully elected government. Mariano will appoint Davis as Chief of Staff in charge of the day-to-day governance of California. Says Mariano: "I am opposed to the current recall process in California and urge all citizens to vote 'NO'. Were I elected governor, I would have two goals. First, I would give Gray Davis a position that would make him the de facto governor of California, the position to which he was duly elected. Second, I would propose legislation to amend what is presently a deeply flawed recall process." The Mariano candidacy is driven by a perception he believes is shared by a majority of voters. The current recall procedure is ill conceived and poses a grave threat to the integrity of the democratic process. The current law allows for a costly and disruptive recall election with far too low a threshold. As a result, wealthy, opportunistic and fringe politicians are presented a chance to take over the government at the expense of a full and fair election. Mariano says: "I'm for democracy, not hypocrisy." The currently structured recall procedure means that a large percentage of voters who would retain Davis in his current role will have no candidate for governor representing their interests. The voters could be faced with the prospect of some fringe candidate winning the second half of the ballot on a plurality of votes far smaller than the number in favor of retaining duly elected Governor Davis. "This isn't democracy, and this is why I am running", says Mariano. Mariano believes principle must be placed above either person or party. He is convinced that the dislike of an individual politician should not result in casting aside our electoral and democratic principles. "No matter how you or I feel about the person Gray Davis, the democratic principle at stake is far more important." And while Governor Davis' ego may take a bruising if he were denied the title of governor, Mariano says that: "I am confident that as a public servant, Governor Davis cares far more about his ongoing responsibility to lead our state than he cares about a title." Mariano is confident that any dissatisfaction felt toward Governor Davis will ultimately give way to an appreciation that our political process must leave voters confident that our fair elections cannot be so easily undone. "It's not the man, it's the message. My candidacy is simply insurance that short-term emotions do not triumph over long-term principles". Media Contacts: Ken Dothee for Paul Mariano Phone: 925-229-2157 Fax: 925-370-6986 Betty Barker for Paul Mariano Phone: 415-297-1916 paulmariano2003@yahoo.com # # # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Important Note: to reach the person sending the news release contact: paulmariano2003@yahoo.com If used for publication, please send specimen copy. [source of news = Paul Mariano for Governor ] ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/2003/pr_03_0806-mariano.txt --------------------------------------------------------------------------- s2p/R/0c/ SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA