San Diego businessman John Cox, a Republican, is second in the most recently released gubernatorial poll behind Democrat Gavin Newsom.
Whoever wins the race in November will have a big say in how the 23-campus California State University system is run. For example, the governor proposes the state budget, which includes funding for the CSU. The governor also appoints a majority of the trustees to eight-year terms on the 25-member CSU Board. And the governor is an ex officio CSU trustee.
Recognizing the importance of the governor’s relationship with the CSU, GV Wire’s David Taub asked Cox his thoughts on the controversial tweets about Barbara Bush made by Fresno State creative writing professor Randa Jarrar on April 17, the day of the former first lady’s death.

Cox: If Donors Don’t Like Tweets, Drops Support

Here is what Cox said:
“I believe in the First Amendment. But I also believe that our culture is coarse, and it’s made coarse by people like this that tweet horrible things about people who just died.
“I think the donors of Fresno State University should take (it) into consideration when they make their donations. I think the free market should operate. I don’t think government should come down on her, and I don’t think she should be bounced.
“… The donors should withhold their contributions if they don’t like it — and I don’t like it.”

Fresno State Forums

Fresno State is holding two campus forums this week to address the nationwide controversy triggered by Jarrar’s tweets and the fact that the university, citing freedom of speech, didn’t discipline her.
The first forum is at 10 a.m. today in the North Gym and is for students, faculty and staff only. The second forum, open to the general public, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the Save Mart Center.