Chapter 534: California Politics

Jerry Brown, 71 years old, served two terms as Governor of California in the late 70s, being the youngest to hold the position.

If he succeeded in next year's election, he would become the oldest Governor of California. He started serving as Mayor of Oakland at the turn of the millennium, and in 2007, he became the Attorney General of California!

Dianne Feinstein explained, "Jerry Brown has tried three times to secure the Democratic nomination for president and failed each time. He also attempted to enter the Senate but was unsuccessful!"

Gavin Newsom echoed, "Jerry Brown's campaign slogans were to revive California's economy, reduce the fiscal deficit, and decrease unemployment!"

Charles looked at the two, "With a resume like that, and having your support in California, will there be any other competition within the Democratic Party?"

As for the Republicans, Charles chose to ignore them.

"This time, the Republican opponent is different," Gavin Newsom laughed, "It's Meg Whitman, the former chair of eBay, who is entering politics. You know, having a billionaire involved can shake things up!"

"Shake things up?" Charles shook his head. "Look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's support rating now; it's even lower than his predecessor's. If it weren't for the financial crisis, he probably would have been voted out. The Republicans managed to prop up Arnold Schwarzenegger once; do you really think Californians would believe in a second one? Selecting the Governor of California is merely an internal affair of the Democratic Party now!"

"However, since you both have high hopes for Jerry Brown, I will support him. I'll meet with him tomorrow to discuss it," Charles said, showing a lack of deep concern with who became Governor as long as his interests were met.

Gavin Newsom nodded, "It's just buying some insurance."

"By the way, I also arranged a meeting with Ken Lewis, the chair of Bank of America. I want to help Bank of America acquire shares of Lockheed Martin," Charles revealed his plan. "Of course, it would be best if I also owned some shares to become a member of Lockheed Martin's board!"

"Lockheed Martin," Gavin Newsom shook his head, "Charles, you should understand what this company represents and the dispersed ownership structure. Bank of America's shares in Lockheed Martin are already substantial. What you want is to increase your influence within Bank of America!"

Charles was well aware of Lockheed Martin's public shareholders, like State Street Global Advisors, BlackRock, Vanguard Capital, Asset Research Management Group, and Wellington Capital.

But all these large capitals had countless holding funds; Charles wanted to know the people behind these.

Dianne Feinstein looked at Charles, "Are you aiming to revive the glory of the California conglomerate?"

Lockheed Martin's famous Skunk Works facility was in California, and before merging, Lockheed had its plant set there.

Bank of America's early growth hinged on California's munitions companies, forming the California conglomerate!

"Charles, buying Lockheed Martin's stock is no easy task. Last year, the company's military sales were $40 billion, the highest in the world. And last year, Lockheed Martin secured $36 billion in government contracts, more than any company in history.

The company is responsible for projects from twenty-two government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy's work for the Environmental Protection Agency. And they have personnel from the CIA, FBI, DIA, NRO, NSA, DHS, IRS, and the Department of Defense stationed within Lockheed Martin."

Dianne Feinstein came over and patted Charles on the shoulder, "You and others like you are businessmen who hope the national rules serve you. Where there's struggle, there's sacrifice. You might not feel it, but it's the ordinary Americans who bear the cost. Is influence really that important? The money you've earned could last several lifetimes. I'm old and only want to see California and America stay strong!"

Charles smiled and patted Dianne Feinstein's aged hand, "Ma'am, I have never been interested in politics."

Dianne Feinstein sighed, "I know a few people; I'll put in a good word."

Then, Dianne Feinstein left the villa.

"Isn't she old?" Charles and Gavin Newsom stood by the window, watching Dianne Feinstein's car drive away.

"But she does know a lot of people, and her political resources in California are very rich," Gavin Newsom explained. A person who had been a senator for almost twenty years could not be a small fry.

"In the military-industrial sector, most supporters are Republicans. She just worries you might become one of their representatives," Gavin Newsom, deeply tied to Charles, noted. Without Charles's financial backing, his position as senator wouldn't be feasible.

"Gavin, I told you, I don't participate in politics."

Charles emphasized again, "I just want to have a say in California; whether it's Democrats or Republicans, aren't they all for America? A right-leaning Democrat or a left-leaning Republican, there are plenty of people to support either side. Why draw such a fine line?"

*****

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