The State - News from Aug. 22, 1985

Gov. George Deukmejian backed away from an earlier pledge to participate in ceremonial activities kicking off the California Lottery, saying that he will not encourage gambling in any way. “I certainly am not going to personally be involved in trying to promote that,” Deukmejian said. The governor has long opposed the lottery, approved by voters last November, asserting that the state should not encourage gambling. Last January, when the governor was asked whether he would consent to a ceremonial role in kicking off the lottery, he said, “I would no doubt participate in, you know, some ceremonial types of acts. . . .” But Deukmejian stressed that he would not be a cheerleader. However, when asked Wednesday whether he had plans to participate in ceremonial activities, Deukmejian said, “No, I don’t have any plans to do that.”