 |
 -0 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
|
Why California's Gov. Davis may be facing historic recall - by Eric Hogue Gray Davis has also started raising money again – campaign money. He has organized a golf event in Carmel, Calif., for May 23. You can attend the "Golf with Gray" for either $5,000 or $15,000, depending on the importance of your union's or lobbyist concern over the impending budget cuts on the horizon. So, why has a termed-out governor – facing a $36 billion debt – decided that this is the perfect time to go back to the fundraising pond? By far, though, the most bothersome aspect of this recall effort seems to be something we have labeled as the "fear factor" inside of the Republican National Committee. Does the RNC really want Gov. Gray Davis to be recalled – and if not, why not? Let's take a look at some of the arguments being thrown at those who support the recall. First they say the recall effort will take away from party's priorities of defeating Barbara Boxer and re-electing President George W. Bush. The argument starts and ends with money: "What if the recall takes money away from the state's party and the effort to defeat Boxer?" Well ... if you like the "what ifs," what if it creates a "grow the pie" type of excitement and synergy for a bored and apathetic state party? What if the political base of the California GOP gets stronger and richer because of leadership and accomplishment? What if? Republicans are supposed to be the ones promoting tax cuts and policies that stimulate the economy and grow the economic pie – it is far past time we realized the same principles apply to the strength and riches of a political party as well. The next "fear factor" says if the recall campaign attacks Gov. Davis on the deficit, who's to say they won't return the attack on President Bush and the deficit in Washington, D.C.? Get real: When did California financially support a war effort? When did California begin a worldwide fight on terrorism – and win it? When did Davis oversee the largest reformation of the government to create a department of Homeland Security, pay for it and supply it? And, when has President Bush ever had a real surplus? The Clinton surplus was not! He used the Social Security money to cook the books to make it look balanced. If the Republican Party cannot win the previous debate items, they have no business making decisions for the nation – let alone California. If the "fear factor" causes the party to recoil from liberating California from the worst governor the state has ever beheld, then this state needs to look for another "opposition party," because the "go along to get along" GOP has seen its last day with California people! The final "fear factor" is that Davis could be replaced with a popular Senator Boxer, Senator Feinstein, Attorney General Lockyer or Lt. Governor Bustemante. My only response when I hear fear like this is "The Gipper" himself – as President Ronald Reagan would say: "There they go again!" If the voters are really ready – and we are convinced that they are – to recall a failed Davis administration, they are not likely to replace him with another Democrat to continue those failed policies. All the Republicans have to do is be willing to set their "fear factors" aside and go forth presenting that Shining City on the Hill that our founders and President Reagan always talked about.
Yet, it seems that the Republican Party has an "afraid to
|
|
|
