Wilson, Davis Find Unity in Private Lunch

Over their lunch of chicken breast sandwiches and fruit salad Wednesday, outgoing Gov. Pete Wilson and incoming Gov.-elect Gray Davis might have looked back and laughed at some of their old times.

There was that episode when Wilson tried to evict then-Lt. Gov. Davis in 1995 from a choice suite on the Capitol’s first floor. Davis searched downtown Sacramento for new quarters before Wilson finally capitulated.

Then there was the campaign this year when Davis waved “Adios Pete Wilson” bumper stickers before cheering crowds and once apologized for suggesting that the incumbent had fueled racism and anti-Semitism in California.

But now all that is in the past.

On Wednesday, the two smiling men, wearing nearly identical dark suits and blue shirts, said they talked about the things they now have in common as the 36th and 37th governors of California.

It went so well, in fact, that their lunch in the governor’s office lasted more than two hours--an hour past its scheduled end--and the joint news conference that followed was a time for mutual back-patting.

“I’ve always admired the governor’s political acumen and his campaign prowess,” Davis told reporters, placing his hand on Wilson’s shoulder. “I’m very glad he was not on the ballot. I would have been disappointed to have to beat him.”

Wilson smiled and patted Davis back. “I wouldn’t have let you be disappointed,” he said.

Wilson joked that one of the inside secrets he passed on to his successor was how to handle the media. But with both men showing considerable deference to the other, they agreed to keep details of their one-on-one conversation to themselves.

“There have only been a few people who have sat in that office,” Davis told reporters. “You have experiences that almost no other human being has. So I was asking him how he dealt with some budget issues . . . and legislative relationships and outside constituencies. And he was very candid and I very much appreciate that.”

In general, Davis said he and Wilson talked about education, upcoming administrative appointments, the state budget and the suburban ranch-style house that Davis will soon inherit from Wilson.

Davis disclosed that he and his wife, Sharon, plan to visit the Wilson house next Tuesday for their first tour of their new home. He said Wilson also agreed to attend some of the Democratic inaugural festivities in early January and to join Davis again for a private dinner with their wives.

“The governor and his staff have been very cooperative and very cordial,” Davis said. “Even though we are from different parties, I couldn’t ask for a more pleasant and cooperative transition.”

Davis’ aides said they have been surprised by the degree of cooperation. Wilson’s staff took care of things such as temporary office space, stationery, telephones, computers and clerical help. In addition, Wilson’s top experts have been made available for advice and they have prepared thick, briefing books on state policy, budget and historical background.

“It is very shortly going to be his show,” Wilson said. “I think he is entitled to think a bit about what he is going to do . . . and make a presentation as to his programs when it is appropriate for him to do so.”