From the Sacramento Bee:

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a leading contender to succeed Brown in the governor’s office, said the governor was right to make the case for his major infrastructure projects. While critical of the “misleading” business plans put forward by the high-speed rail authority, which caused him to balk at the project in the past, Newsom said he is “up for the task” of completing the bullet train connecting Northern and Southern California.

“I’m supporting the vision. I want to get it done,” he said, a position that largely syncs with his Democratic rivals.

Newsom also praised Brown's openness to scaling back the water conveyance project to a single tunnel, which he said he hoped would lead to a deal. Newsom had previously said Brown asked him to reserve his judgment about the multibillion dollar project.

“This has got to be a top priority in the next administration,” Newsom said after the speech. “You can't walk away from this.”

Democrats Delaine Eastin, a former state schools chief; former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; and state Treasurer John Chiang all have questioned the twin tunnels concept.

Brown said, simply, that the project is needed to conserve water, protect fish and the habitat in the Delta and ensure water to millions of people. Local water districts are pushing ahead.

“That is true,” he concluded, “and that is the reason why I have persisted.”

Brown: All of us have a role in defending democracy

Alexei Koseffakoseff@sacbee.com


Read more here: [www.sacbee.com]