Calif.'s Davis says he won't resign
'I have an obligation'
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California Gov. Gray Davis: "I'm not going to retreat."
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Dismissing a recall effort as "divisive partisan mischief," embattled California Gov. Gray Davis said Monday he would "absolutely not" step aside even if his gubernatorial tenure goes before voters as a referendum.
"I'm not going to retreat," Davis, a Democrat, vowed in an interview with CNN's "Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics."
Davis, re-elected in November to a second term, said he is "working hard on the job" during what he described as "difficult days" for California, suffering from a weak economy.
In large part, the recall effort is being paid for by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, a possible contender to replace Davis. Another possible GOP rival is actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Recall supporters say they have gathered about 800,000 signatures. They need about 100,000 more signatures to force a special election.
Over the weekend, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she was not interested in replacing Davis. Other high-profile California Democrats have done the same.
Davis said he welcomed the Democratic unity.
Asked specifically if he would step aside if the recall effort reached the ballot, Davis replied "absolutely not."
He added, "7 million people went to the polls last November ... and asked me to be governor of this state for four more years, and I have an obligation to them."
