Rescue California

-0

Appeals Court to Reconsider Recall Postponement
An 11-judge Appeals Court panel will reconsider next week an earlier ruling by three judges that said the Oct. 7 date for the governor recall vote would disenfranchise too many voters.

September 19, 2003

Page 3

participated in this election by casting absentee ballots. They have every right to have their voices heard and their votes counted."

The former actor became the brunt of harsh criticism this week from both Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and McClintock, who demanded that the format of a debate set for next Wednesday in Sacramento be changed. Both candidates charged that it was inappropriate that questions for the debate had been provided in advance.

Schwarzenegger has agreed to appear only at that forum, sponsored by the California Broadcasters Assn., and has not responded to invitations to appear in several other debates, including one jointly sponsored by CNN and the Los Angeles Times scheduled for Sept. 30.

But Schwarzenegger's campaign denies that the debate was chosen for its format, pointing out that it sent a letter several weeks ago asking the broadcasters association to change the forum so the questions are spontaneous.

Stan Statham, president of the broadcasters association, said the group would not change its format, adding that he would be disappointed if some candidates decided not to attend.

Times staff writers Henry Weinstein, Matea Gold and Joe Mathews and Times wire services contributed to this report.

PAGE 1 | PAGE 2 | PAGE 3