Earl Warren

Re “GOP’s Model Governor--Pat Brown,” March 6: Republicans may be trying to influence Gov. Gray Davis by citing as a role model Democrat Pat Brown. However, if there is any former governor whom Davis--who styles himself a “centrist”--emulates, it is Republican Earl Warren.

Warren’s word for centrist was “bipartisan.” He made a point of running in the Republican and Democratic primaries in his gubernatorial campaigns, reaching out to members of both parties. Warren’s bipartisan 1946 campaign for a second term produced victories in both, making him the only major party candidate for governor on the ballot. Warren was the only governor of California elected three times. And due to his bipartisan public support, Warren was able to initiate such programs as development of the freeways and expansion of the UC system, a legacy upon which Brown was later able to build.

DANIEL J.B. MITCHELL

Los Angeles

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It is interesting to see Republicans fawn and fall all over each other to praise the late Pat Brown; I remember when they used to malign him every day.

Brown was the greatest governor California ever had. All governors since Brown, combined, have not accomplished as much good for California as Brown did in eight years.

He used to always say (and act upon it), “The best investment we can make is in education.” Because of him we used to have the best schools in the country; of course, after him came the Republicans and California went to almost the bottom of the nation’s educational heap. I worked with Brown in the election campaign for George McGovern for president and got to know Brown very well. It was a great honor and privilege to know this fine fellow human.

WALTER F. WIESBAUER

Torrance

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Re “Davis Not Making Friends in Bids to Influence People,” news analysis, March 6: I’m still struggling to figure out whether Davis is trying to be a benevolent despot or a fascist dictator.

DON RYERSON

San Pedro