And It's Official: Jerry Brown Announces Run for Governor

Hi I'm Jerry Brown, your Attorney General. I've lived in California all my life. As a former Governor, Secretary of State and Mayor-I've seen our government from every angle. When it works and when it doesn't work. And, it's no secret that Sacramento isn't working today. The partisanship is poisonous. Political posturing has replaced leadership. And the budget, it's always late, it's always in the red and it's always wrong. Today, the political breakdown in Sacramento is threatening jobs, our schools and the state's credit rating, which is the worst in the country. Our state is in serious trouble and the next Governor must have the preparation, and the knowledge and the know-how to get California working again. That's what I offer and that's why I'm declaring my candidacy for Governor.

The key is knowledge. Some people say that if you've been around the process you can't handle the job, that we need to go out and find an outsider who knows virtually nothing about state government. Well, we tried that and it doesn't work. We found out that not knowing is not good. What we need is not a scripted plan cooked up by consultants or mere ambition to be Governor. We need someone with insider's knowledge, but an outsider's mind. A leader who can pull people together-- Republicans and Democrats, oil companies and environmentalists, unions and businesses. We need to work together as Californians first. And at this stage in my life, I'm prepared to focus on nothing else, but fixing this state I love. Let me share with you a few of the governing principles that will guide me and that you can count on.

* First, I'll tell you the truth. No more smoke and mirrors on the budget. No more puffy slogans and platitudes. You deserve the truth and that's what you'll get from me.
* Second, in this time of recession when people are financially strapped, there will be no new taxes unless you the people vote for them.
* Third, we have to downsize state government from Sacramento and return decisions and authority to the cities, to the counties and to local schools.

California by itself can't end the national recession that is destroying so many jobs. But the partisan paralysis in Sacramento has made things much worse. When I was Governor, California added 1.9 million new jobs in 8 years. I know we can do it again and be the leader in renewable energy, good jobs and quality schools.

These are really serious times but our state is still the best place on earth to live and to raise a family. Our businesses lead the world in technology and innovation, our natural environment is second to none. By making the tough decisions now, we can get through this crisis leaner and more efficient, poised for a comeback that will lead to a whole new period of prosperity. That's what drives my candidacy.

But it's not going to happen overnight or with empty promises or photo ops. It takes patience and courage. But, together, we can all get California working again.

Thank you.