With a smile, Davis meets his successor

October 24, 2003|Associated Press

SACRAMENTO -- Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger of California met yesterday with the man he will be replacing and said in a joint news conference that they were working well together and had started "a great relationship."

The Republican actor said there were no hard feelings between himself and Democratic Governor Gray Davis as a result of the state's historic recall election.

"He kept his promise," Schwarzenegger said. "Every day we are working with his office, and they have been really fantastic to work with. So, I think we can continue on having a great relationship here and a working relationship."

Schwarzenegger also was scheduled to meet yesterday with each of the statewide office holders -- including recall election opponent Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante. On Wednesday, he paid personal visits to top Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature, describing the talks as "relationship building" sessions. Yesterday, after a brief meeting in the governor's Cabinet room, Davis said his main advice to Schwarzenegger was something his wife had told him: "Just enjoy every moment. This is the best job you'll ever have."

Davis said he would "do my very best to help Governor-elect Schwarzenegger be a success, because I love this state."

He said that once he leaves office, he will try to find ways to champion some of the same causes he championed in Sacramento, though he did not elaborate.

No date has been formally announced for Schwarzenegger to been sworn in as governor, but he is widely expected to take office shortly after Nov. 15.