StudioGlyphic

Updated September 14.

California lieutenant governor Cruz Bustamante announced today that governor Davis will face a recall election October 7.

I dislike Davis as much as the next guy. He's a bland Democrat whose specialty seems to be raising money for his campaigns. In terms of policy, he's a reluctant progressive who doesn't seem to have any strong stances on the issues facing the state. He's far too beholden to his donors. However, he is at worst a mediocre executive, and that is not a sufficient reason to hold a recall election.

Now we're going to hold an election estimated to cost $30 million to $35 million—money the state doesn't have. Furthermore, the state constitution states that "A state officer who is not recalled shall be reimbursed by the State for the officer's recall election expenses legally and personally incurred." Davis has a large war chest, and he'll use it.

A bigger concern about the upcoming election is the fact that few voters will likely participate. A good number of those who do will be recall supporters. Davis has few supporters in the state, and they may decide to stay home. If the recall effort is successful, the state may have a Republican governor that was elected by a very small minority.

Let me repeat: the state may have a Republican governor that was elected by a very small minority. Even if you dislike Davis, I can tell you that Tom McClintock or Arnold Schwarzenegger will be worse. McClintock is a very conservative politician whose views are way out of line with the views of most Californians. Schwarzeneggar is more of a "centrist" but lacks the experience and knowledge to run a state that boasts the world's 5th largest economy. Would you put Schwarzeneggar in charge of France, China, or Italy? Hell no.

It's very reminiscent of the 2000 Presidential election, where a bland Democratic candidate failed to win his own state and other states that he should have won—thus preventing a decisive victory in the electoral college and giving the Republicans an opportunity to work the Florida election confusion in their favor.

Will a Republican governor be as toxic as the current Republican president? Maybe not in terms of California politics, but let's not forget how the Republican governor of Florida was able to use his office to purge voters from the registration lists, intimidate voters, and influence election officials.

If the recall effort is not successful, the low voter turnout will still be a problem. Issa and the others will be able to try again within 6 months at a lower expense, since the petition "must be signed by electors equal in number to 12 percent of the last vote for the office." It is likely that a second recall effort would backfire and incense voters against the recall effort and any person behind it. It would not stop another recall election from being held, however, provided that enough signatures are gathered. Another $35 million down the drain.

So what can be done? Register to vote. Online or offline. Register everyone you know to vote and let them know what's going on. Persuade them to tell their friends. And most importantly, vote on October 7.

What's with the two part recall?

There are two parts to the recall:

1. Yes or no on whether to recall Davis.

2. Vote for your preferred replacement.

Please vote no for the first part... this is a vote of principle in favor of representative democracy. Then vote for your favorite on the second part.