The Latest: Ex-governor seen as popular, fiscally prudent

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on the death of George Deukmejian (all times local):

6:10 p.m.

California leaders are remembering George Deukmejian as a popular governor who emphasized public safety and fiscal prudence.

The two-term Republican governor, whose opposition to spending earned him the nickname “The Iron Duke,” died Tuesday of natural causes at 89.

After his election in 1982, he expanded the state prison system, brought the liberal state Supreme Court to the center and supported tough anti-crime legislation.

California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg said Deukmejian also led the state through natural disasters including the San Francisco Bay Area’s Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown recalled that he made friends across the political aisle. Brown ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff.

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4:26 p.m.

A former chief of staff says two-term California governor George Deukmejian (dook-MAY’-jihn), whose anti-spending credo earned him the nickname “The Iron Duke,” has died. He was 89.

Steve Merksamer says Deukmejian died Tuesday of natural causes.

The Republican spent three decades in state politics as an assemblyman, senator, state attorney general and finally as California’s 35th governor.

Deukmejian ran a law-and-order administration from 1983 to 1991, expanding the state prison system, bringing the left-leaning California Supreme Court to the center and supporting tough, anti-crime legislation.

He earned his nickname from his Republican supporters in the Legislature for his resistance to spending increases and his willingness to veto spending proposals.