Ex-Foe Wilson Has Prais for Willie Brown

With Willie Brown’s resignation from the Legislature after 31 years expected by midnight Thursday, one of his fiercest political foes--Gov. Pete Wilson--issued an eloquent statement saying he will miss the “remarkably dynamic” former Democratic Assembly speaker and calling him a “memorable experience.”

“Willie and I have often had honest disagreements about public policy,” Wilson’s statement said. “However, I have respected him for being a formidable opponent and a very effective legislative leader. I have been especially impressed with Willie’s ability to persuade reluctant members of his caucus to take the necessary action to pass responsible budgets.”

While Brown, who on Tuesday was elected mayor of San Francisco, and Wilson waged many political battles, perhaps none rivaled the nasty budget fight that consumed the Legislature in 1992. It lasted 63 days, caused the state to issue IOUs to pay its bills and brought sweeping criticism and cynicism from the public.

Both Wilson and Brown--political veterans and longtime partisan foes--walked away from the brink bruised and battered in the public’s eye.

While neither shied away from taking political potshots at the other, they were personable in private. An amazed Brown told reporters earlier this year that he was invited to dinner at Wilson’s house with the governor and his wife, Gayle, and he liked it.

“Today, California’s Assembly will lose one of its most remarkably dynamic leaders,” Wilson said. “I will miss Willie himself and the fun, good humor and flamboyant style he brought to his work. Willie has been a memorable experience.”