Rescue California

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Did Davis hide extent of fiscal crisis in 2002?

July 21, 2003

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some involved in the recall, proving that Davis deceived the public after the election may be the only valid argument for a recall.

California voters, after all, re-elected Davis eight months ago, even in the face of considerable negative coverage of his administration over the energy crisis, campaign fund raising, and even the budget crisis.

So far, the public doesn't seem to want a specific reason to hold a recall election.

A Field Poll released last week found 67 percent of those surveyed thought having a recall election "is a legitimate way for voters to express their displeasure" with Davis' performance.

A smaller number, 53 percent, said Davis should be recalled because he "misled voters about the magnitude of the state's budget problems."

Ted Costa, a top proponent of the recall, says he's not too concerned about possible deception by Davis before the 2002 election, calling it crying over spilled milk.

He said the Legislature, not just Davis, should be held responsible for last year's budget. Davis, he said, is "being blamed for some things he had no control over, but he has more control than anyone else."

"I think we have to look forward and say the political process is broke, and the political arena is in need of repair," Costa said. "Gray Davis is the guy at the top, and we're sending a message to all his cronies that they are going to be held responsible."

E-mail Robert Salladay at rsalladay@sfchronicle.com.

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