Reply #4: FWIW, here are Nunez's remarks afterwards: [View All]

[Helga Scow Stern]

In His Weekly Radio Address, Assembly Speaker Calls McPherson Confirmation More Than "Just Another Roll Call"
Friday, April 01, 2005

(Sacramento) - Here is the transcript and audio file for this weeks radio address from Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles). (The Speaker's weekly radio address is available in both English and Spanish formats):

This is California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez.

When Republicans and Democrats in the Sacramento work together, all of California benefits.

Earlier this week, Democrats and Republicans voted unanimously to confirm a Republican, Senator Bruce McPherson, as California’s 30th Secretary of State.

Senator McPherson served with diligence and integrity while he was a member of the Legislature. His ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats earned him strong support from both sides of the aisle.

While this vote was an important and historic vote for the State of California, it was more than just another roll call: it symbolized what we can do when we come together, as Republicans and Democrats, to get things done for our state.

There is no denying that Republicans and Democrats have ideological differences.

We have differencing views on making our schools better.

We have differing views on protecting our air and water.

We, in fact, disagree on how to make sure all Californians have the health care they deserve.

But at the end of the day – when decisions need to be made – we can come together and rise above what keeps us apart.

Because when all is said and done, what we have in common far outpaces our differences.

That’s why this week’s confirmation of Senator McPherson was an example of how Democrats and Republicans can work together without the necessity of a hammer over our heads.

We don’t need the threat of a special election that will cost taxpayers $70 million -- or political operatives getting paid millions of dollars just to get your signature on a petition.

In Sacramento, we are working to rebuild our crumbling highways, to improve our student performance, and increase health care coverage for our kids. On many of these issues, Republicans and Democrats are joining together with innovative ideas, with a careful eye on your tax dollars.

But we can’t make it happen without the leadership from our Governor. We need his leadership to bring us together to accomplish what we are all elected to do, and that is: To make California better for you and your families.

It’s time the Governor worked with us on issues that are facing your family.

Let’s hope that Secretary McPherson’s confirmation will be but a sign of things to come in Sacramento during the next few months

It’s time to work together: the legislature and the Governor, Republicans and Democrats, to make our state an even better place to live, to work, and to raise our families.

This is Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez. Thank you for listening.

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/templates/ademmain.asp?articleid=197&zoneid=2