Gov. Brown Slammed Over Tesla In California Debate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS/AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown's long-shot Republican challenger blasted him for failing to do enough to land a Tesla battery plant during the only scheduled debate of this year's governor's race.
Thursday's debate came the same day that Tesla and Nevada's governor announced that the California-born electric car maker would build its factory near Reno.
California was one of five states trying to lure the plant and its 6,500 manufacturing jobs.
In response to criticism over losing the plant, Governor Brown said it wasn't worth the cost to taxpayers.
"We fought hard for Tesla, but Tesla wanted a massive cash upfront payment that I don't think would be fair to the taxpayers of California," he said.
GOP candidate Neel Kashkari cited it as an example of the Brown administration's failure to improve California's business climate, which is routinely cited as among the worst in the nation.
He said Brown "hasn't done the work."
See the candidates' answers to questions on these topics:
- Plastic Bag Bill
- Pension Debt
- Prison Realignment
- Undocumented Children Coming To U.S.
- High-Speed Rail
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