March 2, 1995
Gov. Pete Wilson drew a standing ovation at the California Republican Party Convention Saturday after he announced his support for an initiative that would end affirmative action.
"I say the antidote to discrimination is not more discrimination that divides Americans," Wilson told the audience. "I say it is time we end discrimination against all Americans and increase opportunity for all Americans."
Wilson's endorsement of the California Civil Rights Initiative, which would make giving preferences based on sex or race unconstitutional -- effectively dismantling affirmative action programs -- is a turn from recent statements where he backed away from the issue.
A spokesman for Wilson stated in a Feb. 9 Golden Gater report that Wilson felt affirmative action should be reviewed, but he never called for a repeal or abolishment.
There are those who doubt the sincerity of the recent endorsement.
"Wilson has been a longtime supporter of affirmative action, so this is clearly a political move on his part," said political science Professor Robert Smith.
SF State Affirmative Action Director Joe Torres, who said that Wilson had come out in support of affirmative action as recently as October, said "I was deeply offended by his (Wilson) willingness to kill years of civil rights gains for purely political reasons."
Wilson has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, and lately has indicated he is giving the idea serious thought, a recent SF Examiner report said.
Smith said that while Wilson's endorsement of the CCRI would certainly help the proposed ballot measure, he is not sure the initiative would in turn help Wilson's possible presidential campaign.
"His first hurdle is getting the (republican) nomination, and his support (for the initiative) will not help him there," he said.
Clearly, not all proponents of anti-affirmative action legislation are behind Wilson.
According to the Examiner report, Bernie Richter, sponsor of an assembly bill which would repeal affirmative action mandates for public employees, has already endorsed conservative Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas for president. Wilson has not yet decided if he will support Richter's bill, said Jesus Arredondo, a spokesman for the governor.
If Wilson decides to run for president, and if he gets the Republican nomination, Roberts believes that Wilson's recent about-face on affirmative action won't carry him very far.
"In the end," Roberts said, "this kind of maneuvering will not make any difference."
Torres disagrees. He believes a "political ploy" like this could give Wilson the same level of national attention that he received for his support of Proposition 187 last year.
"This will separate Wilson from the pack," he said.