By George Wolfe

SACRAMENTO — Despite Governor Gray Davis' November victory at the polls, he's not resting on his laurels. After a mudslinging campaign that partly tarnished his image, and a narrower-than-expected re-election, Davis is not so blind that he can't read the writing on the walls: Californians aren't completely happy with his current image.

So Davis is exploring options for a makeover that will send a fresh message to the public—even to Washington.

Is Davis being groomed for the presidency in 2004?
Periwinkle Davis?

"After the elections," Davis says, "I took a long hard look at myself in the mirror, and I wasn't entirely pleased with the man I saw staring back at me. Sure, this whole 'Gray' image has gotten me this far, politically, but I just feel like I'm now passing through that phase... into something else. I spoke with my friend, Oprah Winfrey, the other day and she's helping me access other sides, other colors, within me. Nothing's firm yet, but we're working on it."

Winfrey could not be reached for comment, but her spokeswoman confirmed that she had indeed been discussing "issues of image" with Davis.

National beauty technician, Tanya Tashegawa, says that the governor, going by Winfrey's recommendations, has brought in the best makeover personnel in the country to tweak or augment the many facets of his public appearance.

In addition to cosmetic touch-ups such as teeth bleaching and manicures, one of the main considerations is Davis' hair — since it's so inextricably linked to his name.

Acoording to Tashegawa, the top colors/names that are being tossed around are: Mauve Davis, Beige Davis, Periwinkle Davis, Tangerine Davis, Apricot Davis, Maroon Davis, Cobalt Davis, Goldenrod Davis, Sky Davis, Sienna Davis, Sepia Davis and Umber Davis.

And Green Davis, in particular, has come up as a catchy way to accent Davis' environmental policies and pick up the Ralph Nader voters. Can't you just see the slogans now: "Bush is Green with Envy."

Beyond color, however, Davis is also looking into issues of form. Says Tashegawa, "He asked me about creating an image around a buzz cut — you know: Buzz Davis — to go with slogans like, 'What's the Buzz?!' or even 'Catch a Buzz, Davis for Pres!' But I advised him against it because he has such nice hair."