Ron Unz, the Republican gubernatorial challenger riding a surge of popularity, continued to push his conservative campaign platform Thursday during a stop in Fresno.

Unz, 32, a multimillionaire software entrepreneur who never has sought public office, said his goals include revamping the state’s welfare system and rebuilding California’s economy by creating more jobs.

A political unknown a few weeks ago, the Palo Alto businessman criticized Gov. Wilson as a weak and ineffective leader who has lost the support of most Republicans.

‘I’ve been very active in public policy issues and I have a lot real-world experience,’ he said. ‘I’m not a lifelong politician like Wilson who’s out of touch with ordinary people.’

Unz said he expects his popularity to continue rising as his message reaches more voters and he is confident of victory in the June 7 primary.

In a Field Poll released Tuesday, Unz received the support of 30 percent of the GOP voters, nearly double the amount in April when he announced his candidacy.

‘I think more than half of all Republicans don’t want four more years of Wilson,’ Unz said. ‘I think ordinary individuals have had enough of his empty talk and want real results.’

Unz said he represents the conservative principles of former president and California governor Ronald Reagan, while Wilson represents government that raises taxes while failing to address the underlying causes of the state’s woes.

Unz said his recent surge in popularity comes from Californians’ resentment of Wilson’s support for tax increases, bilingual education and affirmative action.

‘I believe America needs to return to ethnic assimilation, a common American culture,’ said Unz.

He said he opposes ethnic separatism, bilingual education, multiculturalism in schools and affirmative action.

Regarding farmers’ water concerns, Unz said more dams should be built to increase reservoir capacity and regulations loosened to allow for more water sales between farmers and cities.

Unz said he favors restructuring the state’s welfare system to eliminate dependency, revamping the state’s workers compensation system to cut waste and stiffening prison sentences for repeat violent felons.



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