Democrats Urge Davis to Drop Prop. 187 Cause

Upping the political pressure on Gov. Gray Davis, Democratic activists Sunday took a symbolic stand and formally urged him to abandon the state’s court fight in favor of Proposition 187.

Wrapping up their annual convention in Sacramento, party delegates unanimously approved a resolution declaring that further defense of the anti-illegal immigration initiative would be “both a waste of taxpayer moneys and an insult to the newcomer community.” The statement of sentiment, drafted by the party’s Latino/Chicano Caucus, was adopted on a voice vote without debate.

The ballot measure forbidding state-supported education and health care services for undocumented immigrants was approved by voters in 1994. But the U.S. District Court in San Francisco has ruled most of its provisions illegal.

Davis created a mini-tempest last week by saying he was undecided on whether to continue to appeal that decision, a process initiated by his Republican predecessor, Pete Wilson, who fervently supported Proposition 187. Davis opposed the measure when it was on the ballot, but has said repeatedly that he would respect the will of the voters.

With growing pressure from Latino activists, including Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), urging the governor to abandon the state’s appeal, a spokesman for the governor reiterated that no decision has been made. The spokesman, press secretary Michael Bustamante, also defended Davis’ record in the Latino community.

“He’s done more in the last three months to reach out to Latinos than the previous administration did in their entire tenure,” Bustamante said.