The Governor's comments didn't sit well today with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
St. Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, says "Many folks in rural areas aren't the simple country bumpkins that the Governor thinks they are. I think it's really somewhat insulting to rural communities throughout California."
Anthony Adams, R-Hesperia, says "I think the comments harkin back to a sort of elitism that isn't appropriate for California or the politics of this state."
The Governor's office insists the comments were taken out of context. Aaron McLear, Governor's Press Secretary, says "He wasn't in any way trying to disparage them. He was just suggesting to them that they travel abroad as well and see what these other countries are doing, be inspired by that and bring it back to California."
The Governor also managed to upset government watchdog groups because he encouraged lawmakers to let special interests pay for these trips. Special interests often have business before the Legislature.
Derek Cressman, California Common Cause, says "When a lobbyist or special interest group pays for lavish travel for a legislator, they're doing them a favor. That creates an expectation that somewhere down the road that favor is going to be returned."
So far, no word on whether the Governor will apologize to small town California or their elected officials.
