Rescue California

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Why California's Gov. Davis may be facing historic recall - by Eric Hogue

May 13, 2003

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belief in California – a self imposed "fear factor." Here we have the opportunity to boot Gov. Davis and put in his place a Republican in the corner office in Sacramento, fixing the problems that Democrats created – right before a Bush re-election campaign. What could be better for the re-election effort of President Bush?

Other nagging questions are: Does the RNC believe they can win California? Do they really want California?

Here's an observation. Why did the Bush administration recently support the turning off of the Colorado water supply to California? Due to large amounts of rainfall this season, this will not become a major issue in this re-election campaign. But they didn't know that when they made the decision. Is this evidence that the national party and the Bush re-election camp has already written off California?

If this is true, then why should we, the people, care if they don't support the recall of the most disliked and despised governor in California history? We'll do it ourselves and lead the way for the lackluster Republican effort in the Golden State.

Strong state political parties behave differently. Look at Ohio. President Bush visited the Buckeye State to pressure their beloved U.S. senator, George Voinovich, into supporting his full tax-credit and economic package. Now, I'll be the first to say that I believe the president's plan for economic stimulation is correct. But the fiscally conservative "Ohio George" only supports half the tax break the president is asking for from the senate.

Sen. Voinovich has made his mark in never spending from a deficit. The president tried his best to use his high approval numbers and great influence to move Voinovich and the Ohio GOP. They were, and still are, un-swayed by this type of politicking.

When it comes time to vote, Ohio will support both the "Ohio George" and "George W" in their next elections. Why? Because of leadership vs. hopeful politicking and "fear-factor attitudes." The strength and maturity of the Ohio GOP is in the state issues and state leadership – this breeds national wins, support and finances for President Bush and other RNC campaigns. Why can't the California "elephants on parade" see this silver lining?

One can only hope that the real Republican Party of California can find the same inner strength to grab hold of this opportunity to grow the party and GOP leadership from the grassroots up to the top. This recall is the perfect elixir for the ailing state GOP in California.

When it is all said and done, come July 4 – or some day before Sept. 2 – and California begins a special election for a new governor, will the Republican Party be ready ... or will they still be indecisive and divided?

If they continue to believe the propaganda of "Save Gray Sam" or cower to the rhetoric of the "fear-factor" monsters in the dark, they may miss the one opportunity to capture lightening in a bottle. A chance afforded by the people for the people – looking for real leadership to embrace a real party determined to reload the future upon a recall of the past!

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Eric Hogue is a talk-show host and program director for KTKZ radio in Sacramento, Calif.

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