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Jerry Brown jumps into the California governor's race in a video message
California Attorney General Jerry Brown holds a press conference to announce a Web-based prescription drug database to track all all controlled substances prescribed in California on September 15, 2009 in Los Angeles.
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Jerry Brown jumps into the California governor's race in a video message
Jerry Brown - an icon in Democratic Party politics who already served as governor from 1975 until 1983 - wants his old job back. He says he has the experience and know-how to end partisan bickering.
Its been an open secret for months. Tuesday, Jerry Brown made it official – he is running for the Democratic Party's nomination for governor.
"Our state is in serious trouble and the next governor must have the preparation, knowledge and know-how to get California working again. That’s what I offer. And that’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for governor," Brown said in a three minute video message on his Web site.
Brown, 71, has a wealth of political experience.
The former governor has served as the mayor of Oakland, California's secretary of state, and state attorney general – the post he holds now.
“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 didn’t work," Brown said.
That comment was aimed not just at Governor Schwarzenegger, but the two leading Republican candidates for governor. Former eBay chief Meg Whitman has never held elective office. Former Silicon Valley executive Steve Poizner has been the state's insurance commissioner for just three years.
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Whitman immediately issued a statement after Brown's announcement: "I have spent my career in the private sector, creating jobs and delivering results. Jerry Brown has had a 40-year career in politics which has resulted in a trail of failed experiments, undelivered promises, big government spending and higher taxes."
In his announcement, Brown promised he would not raise taxes "unless you the people vote for them," and said he would downsize state government and return decisions to cities and counties
Brown also said "I'll tell you the truth. No more smoke and mirrors on the budget. No more puffy slogans and platitudes."
Brown is the son of former governor “Pat” Brown.
He faces no serious contenders for the nomination.
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