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Davis recall grows "We're going against Darrell Issa," said Bob Mulholland, strategist for the Democratic Party. "Every Democrat in the state opposes this recall, but we don't think it's going anywhere. We think this will fall apart." Russo, however, said the campaign has the same feel as the one involving Proposition 13 in 1978. "All the pundits, all the professionals said it didn't have a chance," Russo said. "They said it was just two crazy old men, Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann, and it wouldn't go anywhere. Well, it passed and state government hasn't been the same since. "This has the same grass-roots appeal. I think all the professionals are misjudging this." Part of the problem is that Russo has not reached out to some traditional GOP donors for help. For instance, San Fernando Valley car dealer Bert Boeckmann, who is one of the top Republican donors in the state, said he is not convinced the recall drive will succeed. "I recognize there is tremendous unhappiness over the budget, but it would be difficult for a recall to happen," Boeckmann said, adding he would not comment on whether he supports the drive. Former Mayor Richard Riordan, frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for governor should a recall occur, also declined to comment, but he has told friends he would prefer to support a candidate such as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a recall election rather than run himself. But there is no shortage of candidates. Among Republicans, Issa and Simon are both frequently mentioned. Democrats are walking a much narrower line, however, in declaring themselves. While none want to appear eager to challenge a sitting governor from their party, the opportunity is too great to pass up. If it does qualify for the ballot, voters would be asked two questions: Do they support a recall of Davis and who would they want to be the next governor. If the recall succeeds, the candidate with the highest vote would take over as governor. "It presents an interesting scenario for anyone who would want to be governor," Democratic political consultant Kam Kuwata said. "You've got a winner-take-all election and that person becomes governor immediately. "The question is can anyone afford to sit on the sidelines and see the election go to someone else." Speculation among Democrats has been far and wide. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has been discussed as a candidate who might be able to pre-empt the Democratic field. Other potential candidates include statewide officeholders facing term limits, such as Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Treasurer Phil Angelides and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. While all have issued public denials, political operatives take great delight in reporting how Lockyer left his own wedding reception recently to appear on a national television show about the arrest of murder suspect Scott Peterson. All of which amuses Russo. "I've had a lot of meetings with people who want to be briefed but not identified," Russo said.
"It isn't only conservatives who are upset with Gray Davis. It is also liberals, who believe he sold them out. About the only thing the two sides agree on is they don't like Gray Davis. And that helps me."
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