CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS : GOVERNOR : His Campaign Is Surging, Wilson Says

Suddenly buoyant, and his testiness gone, Sen. Pete Wilson talked and acted like a governor Wednesday, attempting to soothe relations with Democrats who control the state Legislature and telling women supporters he would recruit them for jobs in the Wilson Administration.

The Republican candidate insisted, after a gala Los Angeles luncheon, that he is not taking for granted his election over Democrat Dianne Feinstein, and will “run flat-out all the way” to next Tuesday. But Wilson coyly indicated to reporters he has intelligence that shows his campaign surging ahead of Feinstein.

Some of that optimism is based on poll results, he said, but also on “the reaction I’m getting from crowds around the state.” Asked if he had specific information that his campaign is headed toward victory, Wilson replied with an emphatic “I sure do.” But with the grin of a kid who has a secret, he declined to say what it was.

Wednesday morning, in a breakfast with Capitol correspondents in Sacramento, Wilson said he looks forward to working closely with the Legislature, offering praise for budget ideas of Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento), one of Democratic Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown Jr.’s (D-San Francisco) top lieutenants.

Getting along with the Legislature, something Gov. George Deukmejian has done only sporadically, will be hard work, Wilson said. He is confident of doing so, even though many members are angry at him for endorsing Proposition 140, which would limit legislators’ terms. Brown, as an ally of Feinstein, also has been a target of Wilson campaign invective.

Wilson, a former assemblyman himself, has attempted to paint Feinstein as a captive of the legislative old guard. In contrast, Wilson--although a veteran of 24 years in public office--has tried to offer himself as an outsider and agent of change.

As mayor of San Diego, Wilson was a master at forming shifting coalitions to enact his proposals. Wilson said he thinks he can do the same in Sacramento.

“All alliances are temporary,” he told the Sacramento Press Club breakfast.

“You have to do a lot of lobbying,” he added. “You have to do a lot of communicating. It’s hard work. It requires time. It requires effort.”

Wilson then flew to Los Angeles to address about 500 women at the luncheon sponsored by Pro-Wilson 90, a Wilson-for-governor offshoot that has pushed his record on abortion and other women’s issues. Among those speaking on his behalf were former First Lady Betty Ford, U.S. Trade Ambassador Carla Hills and actress Cheryl Ladd.

At times, Wilson’s brief speech sounded like a victory statement. At the end, he said: “My friends, the work and fun is just beginning because I intend to tap your energy, your concern and caring, your expertise, your determination to make change, to help me make change. I am going to ask many of you . . . to give me your time and to give to me your talent because I want you to serve on those boards and commissions that will form the policy of the state of California. . . .”

Later, Wilson sounded more like a reigning official than a combative candidate when asked about his bitter exchange with Feinstein over his role in the failure of the Civil Rights Act of 1990, and his chiding of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who appeared at a rally on Feinstein’s behalf.

On Monday, Wilson caustically referred to Kennedy as Feinstein’s “chubby friend.” Wednesday, Wilson described Feinstein’s remarks on his civil rights record as “divisive.” But he added: “We don’t want to divide this state and pit people against one another. I think we ought to be seeking to unite the people of this state.”

In Sacramento, Wilson said his first priority, if elected, will be to confer with state budget officials to seek a “common ground” for evaluating the state’s fiscal woes. Many experts expect the new governor to face a budget deficit that could approach $2 billion.

Wilson volunteered as “very sound” and “very thoughtful” a proposal by Assemblyman Isenberg urging colleagues to refrain for six months from introducing any spending bills to give the new governor time to get the state’s fiscal house in order.

Asked how long it would take to solve the expected budget crisis, Wilson said: “It depends on how many people there are like Isenberg. If they really want a resolution perhaps they will listen to him. Change can come as quickly as there is a collective will to make it.”

Isenberg said he was “flattered” that both Wilson and Feinstein have praised his proposal. But he said Wilson’s support for Proposition 136 indicates that Wilson does not completely grasp the magnitude of the budget problem. The measure would make it harder for state and local governments to raise taxes.

“You can’t reconcile responsible governance with his endorsement of Proposition 136,” Isenberg said. “It’s a shuck-and-jive approach to government.”

Wilson opposes any income tax increase, but said the sales tax might be a fairer way to raise money for health programs he has proposed.