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LEADING GOVERNOR CANIDATES FIND THEIR WAY TO 'INSIDE OC'
Laguna Beach, CA (Aug 3, 2017) Many pundits say the early favorites in next year's California governor's race are Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang and all three have already brought their campaigns to "Inside OC with Rick Reiff."
The interview with Villaraigosa is currently airing. In it, the former LA mayor and state Assembly speaker portrays himself as a "doer" who better understands the needs of the working class than does Newsom, who Villaragoisa tagged as a "Davos Democrat" for attending the prestigious World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
"Its great to stand up for people who drive a Tesla, but we should stand up for people who drive a Toyota, or ride a bus, the way my mother did," Villaraigosa said.
Newsom's interview a two-parter ran last September and October, Chiang's interview aired in April.
Newsom, Villaraigosa and Chiang are Democrats vying for spots in the state's "top two" primary.
"It is gratifying to have these state leaders all come into our studio," Reiff said. "It is also telling. While California is a 'blue' state, 'red' Orange County could have a big say in determining the next governor. Each of these candidates in their interviews stressed areas where they agreed with, or at least were sympathetic to, Orange County concerns."
A June poll by UC Berkeley had Newsom leading the race with 22% support, followed by Villaraigosa at 17%. Chiang, at 5%, was in a field of others with single-digit support; 37% of those surveyed were undecided. However, as of the June 30 reporting period, Chiang was second in fundraising, with $9 million on hand to Newsom's $16 million. Villaraigosa was third at $4.5 million.
Four others have also declared they're running for governor and one of them, Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen, will be appearing on "Inside OC" soon. Among the issues he will discuss is the drive to repeal the recently enacted gas tax.
"Inside OC" is a weekly public affairs show that airs multiple times on PBS SoCal, KDOC and Cox. It is sponsored by FivePoint, MemorialCare Health System and Chapman University.
Updated August 3, 2017
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