What I learned about Christine Rubin in the Gray Davis recall campaign of 2003
In 2003 Rep. Darrell Issa gave our state a chance for change by starting the “Rescue California” campaign. With great leadership by his aides Scott Taylor and Dale Neugebauer, the campaign gathered 75% of the signatures which forced the historic October 2003 recall election.
Scott Taylor recruited me to the campaign staff, and also picked Christine Rubin to handle media relations. I watched as Chris went head-to-head with initially skeptical reporters from the LA Times, Sacto Bee, OC Register, SF Chronicle…and one-by-one she won their trust and respect.
“Rescue California” had to deal with plenty of incoming fire from the Gray Davis team, including Bob Mulholland and Steve Maviglio. Christine Rubin was a key part of our ‘rapid response’ team and did her job with skill.
These recollections have meaning today since they tell us that (A) Christine Rubin can take the pressure of a super-heated, brutal statewide petition campaign and thus (B) she won’t be intimidated by Sacramento special interests next year if the 77th Assembly district elects her this year.
In simple, straight-forward language, Christine Rubin tells us she is Pro-Life, anti-taxes, Pro-2nd Amendment, and Pro-Traditional Marriage (she voted for Prop. 8 and Prop. 22).
Based on what I saw in person in 2003, I know Chris Rubin is a straight shooter who will stand by her campaign pledges. I’m proud to be on the same team with Christine Rubin again in 2010.
Good advice backed up with pertinent facts, concisely stated.
I have been impressed with how hard she has campaigned. Our paths have crossed for the past 6 months. If your willingness to speak to the people and attend forums is any indication of how hard you will work in the Assembly (and it does) she will be a good one.
Beth and Greg:
Thanks to both of you for reading the article.
I’m glad you enjoyed doing so.
Helping get Schwarznegger elected is a promo?
“Rescue California” obtained the signatures to get the Gray Davis recall on the ballot… not to nominate Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Then the voters had a choice among over 100 potential successors on the same day they voted on the Recall.
Many conservatives supported other candidates, like Sen. Tom McClintock, and former Baseball Commissioner Peter
Ueberroth, among others.
Absolutely correct. The recall was an opportunity to dump Gray Davis and give the voters a chance at something better; there was no prescience that the ultimate winner would be Arnold. Those that drove the recall were leaders, in an environment where many supposed leaders were being cautious about getting involved. Side note: Although he takes plenty of credit, as is his M.O., Howard Kaloogian had little to do with the recall’s success. The recall would have died without the Issa team’s and resources in play.