State Senator Jeff Denham Discusses Recall Campaign

By Jenny O'Mara, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published May 9, 2008 at 5:08 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Republican State Senator Jeff Denham says it's a big weight off his shoulders that the Senate Democratic Leader is dropping the campaign to recall him from office.

Republican State Senator Jeff Denham says it's a big weight off his shoulders that the Senate Democratic Leader is dropping the campaign to recall him from office. Senate President Pron Tem Don Perata made the announcement Wednesday that he was backing off to encourage goodwill during the upcoming budget talks. Denham says the recall has been a distraction.

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Denham: It should never have gone this far. I would have hoped this would have happened a long time ago before it went onto the ballot but nevertheless it's welcomed news now.

But Denham says he'll continue campaigning to convince voters to keep him in office. That's because the recall is still on the June third ballot. Denham says he has a new campaign ad out Thursday. As for upcoming budget negotiations Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill said Perata's withdrawal "doesn't hurt" in terms of the talks ahead.