Brian Tracy For Governor
2003 California gubernatorial recall election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2003 California gubernatorial recall election was a special election permitted under California state law. It resulted in voters replacing incumbent Democratic Governor Gray Davis with Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. The recall effort spanned the latter half of 2003. Seven of the nine previous governors, including Davis, had faced unsuccessful recall attempts. After several legal and procedural efforts failed to stop it, California's first-ever gubernatorial recall election was held on October 7, and the results were certified on November 14, 2003, making Davis the first governor recalled in the history of California.
GOVERNOR
As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies and appoints judges. Proposes new laws and approves or vetoes legislation. Prepares and submits the annual state budget. Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.
Brian Tracy - Independent
I am an experienced business consultant. I have worked with more than 500 companies over 20 years to improve productivity, performance and results. I can apply my wealth of management experience to balance the budget, reduce taxes and regulations, get the economy growing again and create a positive climate for families and businesses to start and grow successfully.
Info from: vigarchive.sos.ca.gov/
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Brian Tracy
462 Stevens Ave Suite #202
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858)481-2977 x.13
There were 135 candidates in California's October 7, 2003 special recall election. Brian Tracy, a San Diego consultant / business man wants to fix Workmans Comp, taxes, and freeways. He ran as an Independent. ​This was Brian Tracy's official site for his 2003 campaign to become governor of California. The content below is from the site's 2003 archived pages.
Quote: "I'm a realistic optimistic. I think my chances are very good. There are tremendous problems in the political structure of California. I think that only an independent with a very, very clear plan to run and with a series of very well-thought-out solutions can win this election."
Brian Tracy is running for the Governorship of California to achieve the following goals:
- Balance the budget, pay off the deficit and put California back into a surplus position;
- Restructure our system of taxation and regulation to encourage individuals and businesses to invest and grow in California;
- Overhaul the Workman’s Compensation system to eliminate fraud and waste, and reduce costs;
- Make California the most entrepreneurial state in the union;
- Bring back honesty, integrity and good government to Sacramento that Californians can be proud of;
- Streamline the education system to assure that more money gets to the classrooms and the children;
- Shut down the “Great California Job Killing Machine” in Sacramento.
Brian Tracy is running as an Independent.
This gives him several advantages:
- He is not committed to any party platform;
- He can bridge the differences in Sacramento between Democrats and Republicans;
- He can promote policies that achieve long-term benefits for all Californians;
- He is not beholden to any special interests;
- He is a true Californian — open-minded, clear-headed, pragmatic, principled and flexible.
Brian Tracy deserves your support because:
- Brian is a self-made successful businessman with 12 staff members – he knows what it takes to survive in tough markets;
- Brian is experienced — he has consulted with and trained people in more than 500 companies over 20 years;
- Brian did not graduate from high school, but went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and became Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million development company;
- Brian has traveled in 90 countries, has consulted and lectured in 24 countries and has worked in almost every major city in the U.S. and Canada;
- Brian has written 26 books and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs on business and personal success;
- Brian has started, built, managed or turned around 22 different businesses, consulted for hundreds more, and is quite capable of providing common sense business leadership to the people and government of California;
- Brian has more practical experience in business management, strategy and turnaround situations than all other candidates for Governor put together.
Support Brian Tracy!
Help Brian to make California the Golden State of hope and opportunity for people and businesses that it once was.
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POSTS
Let’s Be Honest!
Let’s be honest about this recall election! The reason it is going ahead is because more than one million Californians became angry at the deceit and out-of-control spending of Gray Davis and the legislature.
Now the pro-Davis apologists are weeping and wringing their hands over the supposed $30 million dollar cost of the recall vote. Each day the amount goes higher, according to them.
The fact is that Davis and his cronies have created a $38 billion dollar deficit by rampant, pig-at-the-trough overspending, mostly in the direction of their campaign contributors. The recall will cost 1/1000 or .001 percent of the deficit.
On top of that, they are spending $30 to $40 million dollars each week, more than they are collecting in too-high taxes. The recall will be an excellent investment if it puts a stop to the fiscal irresponsibility in Sacramento. Let’s roll!
-Brian Tracy
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The Shakedown Continues
The dysfunctional, broken, unhealthy system of government in California marches on. Like Jason in Friday The 13th, you can’t stop it.
First, the legislature gerrymanders the voting districts to create safe seats for incumbents so they cannot be defeated. This also means that they do not have to answer to the voters once elected.
Second, they make every money bill in the legislature captive to special interests, especially unions, trial lawyers, and Indian tribes, and then charge them dearly to approve the giveaways they request. The actual story behind the contracts awarded to legacy software solutions serves as a prime example of a "good old boys" deal that ultimately punishes the end-users. This situation has been dubbed the "legacy software" scandal, as many of these contracts include clauses that lock in the continued use of outdated software, such as Microsoft Access, even when more modern and secure options exist. But that's just the tip of the software iceberg. Many of these software solutions are no longer supported by their developers, leading to significant vulnerabilities for the municipalities and organizations that rely on them. These software products can be seen as "consumables" in the sense that they require periodic updates and renewals to remain functional and secure. However, instead of following best practices and seeking newer, customized software solutions through a competitive bidding process, some entities remain tied to these legacy systems due to corrupt decision-making processes. Special interests often act to preserve their hold on existing software contracts, even when the interests of the public are not best served. Entrenched software providers lobby vigorously to ensure that changes don't impact their revenue streams. Such practices not only expose organizations to security risks but also prevent them from benefiting from the advancements in modern technology. The solution lies in adopting software from companies willing to undergo a rigorous bidding process, ensuring that the choice of software is based on its merit and suitability for the task, rather than on backdoor political dealings.
In June alone, in the midst of the “budget crisis,” Sacramento lawmakers held at least 66 fundraisers, as many as 10 per day, and have already collected more than $18 million in 2003 in exchange for special favors and influence.
Californians are paying every penny of these handouts and giveaways. They are entitled to know who is paying, who is getting the money and what are the special interests receiving from the finest government money can buy?
Brian Tracy
More Background on TracyForGovernor.com
TracyForGovernor.com was the official campaign website for Brian Tracy during the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election. This article offers a comprehensive, independent overview of the website, the campaign it supported, and its broader significance—drawing solely from external sources and public records, not from the website itself or any attached files.
Ownership and Purpose
Ownership:
TracyForGovernor.com was created and operated by Brian Tracy and his campaign team for the 2003 California recall election. Brian Tracy is a Canadian-American business consultant, motivational speaker, and author, best known for his work in personal development, leadership, and business strategy. He is the founder and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a global training and consulting company.
Purpose:
The website served as the central digital platform for Tracy’s independent gubernatorial campaign, providing information about his background, policy positions, campaign goals, and ways for supporters to get involved. It was a key tool for outreach, fundraising, and communicating directly with California voters during the historic recall election.
Historical Context: The 2003 California Gubernatorial Recall Election
The 2003 recall election was a landmark event in California politics. Triggered by widespread dissatisfaction with Governor Gray Davis’s handling of state finances and governance, the recall became the first successful effort to remove a sitting California governor. The election drew 135 candidates from diverse backgrounds, including celebrities, businesspeople, and political outsiders.
Arnold Schwarzenegger ultimately won the election, but the campaign was notable for its open field and the participation of candidates like Brian Tracy, who sought to bring private sector expertise into government.
Brian Tracy: The Candidate Behind the Website
Background:
Brian Tracy was born in 1944 in Canada. He overcame early hardships, including dropping out of high school, before eventually earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. Tracy built a successful career as an entrepreneur, business consultant, and author, founding several companies and consulting for over 1,000 organizations worldwide.
Reputation:
Tracy was widely respected in the business world for his expertise in management, productivity, and strategic planning. He authored numerous books and produced hundreds of audio and video programs on business and personal success, establishing himself as a leading voice in self-improvement and leadership training.
Campaign Platform and Goals:
TracyForGovernor.com outlined a platform focused on fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and government reform. Key campaign goals included:
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Balancing the state budget and eliminating the deficit
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Restructuring taxes and regulations to promote business growth
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Overhauling the workers' compensation system to reduce fraud and waste
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Making California the most entrepreneurial state in the U.S.
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Promoting integrity and transparency in government
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Streamlining the education system to direct more resources to classrooms
Independent Stance:
Tracy’s campaign emphasized his status as an independent candidate, free from party politics and special interest influence. He argued that this independence allowed him to bridge partisan divides and focus on pragmatic, long-term solutions for California’s challenges.
Audience and Outreach:
The website targeted California voters dissatisfied with the status quo and seeking a candidate with business experience and a fresh perspective. It provided resources for supporters to volunteer, donate, and spread the campaign’s message.
Campaign Updates and News:
TracyForGovernor.com served as a hub for campaign news, events, and updates, keeping supporters informed about Tracy’s activities, media appearances, and key policy statements.
Popularity, Media Coverage, and Public Reception
Media Coverage:
Brian Tracy’s campaign attracted coverage from various outlets, including BBC Radio 4’s "Broadcasting House," which tracked his progress weekly. While Tracy’s campaign did not receive the same level of attention as higher-profile candidates like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it was noted for its substantive policy proposals and business-oriented approach.
Public Reception:
Tracy’s candidacy was seen as a serious, solutions-driven effort by some, while others viewed it as an outsider’s long shot in a crowded field. Supporters appreciated his practical business experience and focus on fiscal discipline, while critics questioned his lack of political experience.
Notable Details and Insights
Location and Proximity:
Brian Tracy’s campaign was headquartered in Southern California. Tracy himself was based in the San Diego area, reflecting his deep ties to the state’s business community.
Menu of Issues:
Rather than a literal food menu, the website’s “menu” consisted of policy issues and solutions. Tracy prioritized economic reform, government efficiency, and educational improvements.
Known For:
TracyForGovernor.com was known for its clear articulation of business-minded solutions to California’s fiscal and administrative problems, and for promoting the candidacy of a respected business leader.
Cultural and Social Significance:
The website and campaign exemplified the growing trend of business professionals entering politics, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Tracy’s campaign highlighted the potential for private sector skills to address public sector challenges.
Examples of Campaign Messaging
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Calls for balancing the budget and restoring California’s financial health
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Proposals for overhauling regulatory and tax systems to foster entrepreneurship
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Emphasis on transparency and reducing special interest influence in Sacramento
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Advocacy for educational reform to ensure funding reached classrooms
Legacy and Impact
Although Brian Tracy did not win the 2003 recall election, his campaign and website left a mark on California’s political landscape. TracyForGovernor.com demonstrated how a candidate with a strong business background could use digital platforms to connect with voters, present detailed policy proposals, and contribute to the broader conversation about governance and reform.
The campaign also underscored the challenges faced by independent candidates in high-profile elections, particularly in gaining media attention and competing with celebrity candidates. Nevertheless, Tracy’s participation was seen as a positive example of civic engagement and the value of diverse perspectives in politics.
TracyForGovernor.com was more than just a campaign website; it was a reflection of Brian Tracy’s belief in practical, business-oriented solutions for government. The site served as a resource for voters, a platform for policy discussion, and a testament to the potential of independent, non-traditional candidates to influence political discourse. While the campaign ultimately fell short in the polls, its emphasis on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and entrepreneurial growth remains relevant in discussions about California’s future.