The one thing we've stressed is how far confidence can take you. That will be pivotal going into next week at the state championships, if they want a shot at a state title. I think they can do it.

The one who has perhaps gained the most is the prime minister, who stood for the state and managed to deliver a message of firmness together with a message of openness to society.

The ongoing construction of the stadium has continued at a rapid pace, and we're extremely pleased with the progress. It's projected to be done on time. But, in moving the San Jose State game to Spartan Stadium, we feel it gives us that extra week to assure ourselves that the stadium will be 100 percent ready.

The ongoing decrease in the number of people smoking in California is a major public health achievement. With California adults smoking 25 percent less than the rest of the nation, our state continues to benefit from lower rates of tobacco-related illnesses.

The only effect it could have is burning out our donors. I don't think that's going to happen. The people who donate to the state candidate fund are different than those who donate for anything else.