994 ADDRESSES AND Si ATE PAPERS

Q. Do you plan to be working with your successor in drawing up
this budget?

A. Well, the considerations that remain open will be left to some
extent, after I depart, for some modification by my successor. As I've
indicated, he will not be elected until I've physically left the governor-
ship. I will make myself available to him for any consultation he may
desire. And I'd like to help him in any way I can.

Q. Governor, will you in any way work with the Republican mem-
bers of the Legislature perhaps to elect your successor?

A. I don't think it would be proper for me, leaving the governorship
at this time with the transitional problems and my need to remain
an impartial advisor to my successor, to take any partisan steps. And
I will avoid that.

Q. Governor, will you have appointments between now and your
departure?

A. Well, I may make appointments up to the time of my departure
— yes.

Q, Governor, you're legally leaving at noon on January the 7th.
The Legislature meets on January the 6th. Can they legally elect your
successor before your resignation?

A. Well, there's a lot of doubt about that. I understand the Secre-
tary of State has done some research on it and it's not conclusive, but
certainly I would think that if it were done, it would have to be rati-
fied later. And I don't see any advantage to doing it if there's some
doubt as to legality.

Q. It would then be at least a 2-day special session?
A. I would think yes.

Q. Governor, by your leaving on the 7th, will there still be enough
time for the new Governor to propose a tax increase or some new tax
program in the Legislature?

A. Well, there's always time for that. That can be done anytime
during the session.

Q. Governor, have there been any plans made for your portrait?

A. No plans as yet — no.

Q. Will there be one?

A. I assume there probably will. It's been traditional, although no
decisions have been made in this regard.