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California governor, Jerry Brown, made a rare appearance on the 2018 campaign trail on Friday, joining a last-ditch effort against an attempt to cut the gas tax hike that he defended to pay for. road repairs, an important component of his legacy as he prepares to leave his duties.
Brown, a Democrat, gave a 90-second speech at a rally in a park near the notoriously congested Highway 101 that connects Silicon Valley to San Francisco and the Central Valley.
He added that this initiative, which should drive voters to the polls, was prepared by "shady politicians" who want to fool Californians.
"Prop. 6 is a ploy and a scam put on the ballot by some supporters, in fact, they are acolytes of Donald Trump," said the governor. "They do not have the best interests of California in mind."
Firefighters and construction workers, of whom dozens attended the rally, held placards and chanted "No on 6". They say that transportation improvements are essential for jobs as well as public safety.
Carl DeMaio, San Diego's conservative radio host who had failed Congress in 2014, is leading the campaign in favor of Proposition 6. He would repeal the increases in gasoline taxes and vehicle fees that Brown had backed last year to finance a planned transport of $ 52 billion. projects over a decade.
DeMaio and other supporters of the repeal say that hiking is excessive for an already expensive state where working families have trouble getting out of it.
In a statement issued shortly after Brown's appearance, proposal campaign spokesman Dave McCulloch described the governor's remarks as "distracting", calling them "false partisan rhetoric".
The Yes on 6 campaign announced Friday an event that would have attracted attention in southern California, centered on the automobile: $ 50 gasoline cards for drivers who would show up Monday at some stations and win a draw.
McCulloch said that anyone could sign up to win the cards as long as he was registered on the voters lists and regardless of his opinion on the vote.
Giving prices is not illegal for political campaigns. Jay Wierenga, a spokesman for the Commission on Fair Political Practices, said he could not comment on specific cases, but that "campaign funds in general can be used for political, legislative or governmental purposes. ".
Until Friday, Brown has worked extensively behind the scenes to raise money for the campaign against the repeal. He also recorded telephone messages and a television advertisement.
Mr. Brown has always been very selective about the causes and the candidates to be supported and has spared no effort to increase the participation of Democrats in major congressional races.
His brief appearance might be his last campaign event as an elected incumbent. Brown will leave work in January and is the only person to serve as governor of California over an eight-year period.
He first served from 1975 to 1983, then was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014.
Brown successfully ran a campaign in 2012 to increase sales taxes and school taxes. Two years later, he launched a bailout campaign for a major water supply project and, in 2016, led a parole review initiative.
Although Brown says he no longer intends to run again, he is sure to come back if necessary to protect other aspects of a legacy including dramatic reforms on climate issues, criminal justice and transportation.
"The governor has raised tens of millions of dollars to defeat Proposition 6 and his war chest will certainly be needed for future battles," said Evan Westrup, spokesman for Brown.
Westrup said that Brown, who has about $ 15 million left in his campaign account, may have to face potential challenges from signing policy reforms such as a conditional release measure. 2016.
Critics also want to put an end to another project dear to the governor: a high-speed railway line connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles, with delays and legal obstacles.
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