No News From Oracle: Davis Likes Money

Gov. Gray Davis’ denial of any knowledge of the Oracle contract-for-contribution scandal rings hollow in light of his legendary micromanagement of all aspects of California government (“Hearing Set on Oracle Deal,” May 6). This, coupled with his voracious campaign fund-raising, requires informed observers to take his plea of ignorance with a grain of salt.

Even if Davis was ignorant of this particular back-room deal, he has created the atmosphere of a Middle Eastern bazaar in Sacramento, in which there is the perception not only that contracts and votes are for sale to special interests but also that groups will be punished by the potentate if they do not contribute tribute to his campaign. It is time to replace Davis with a governor who recognizes that the government must serve the people of the state and that Californians do not exist just to fill the coffers of his campaigns.

John L. Dodd

Tustin

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I don’t know which is worse: “not knowing” about a $95-million contract with Oracle or not admitting to it. Perhaps Davis should spend more time governing than raising campaign funds for ... what? What does he do?

Gregory Polito

Whittier

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The Times reports that Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer is probing the Oracle deal. One has to wonder if Lockyer’s acceptance of $200,000 from Oracle since 1999 will affect his perspective.

Kevin Murphy

Los Angeles