Rescue California

-0

Recall election is looking more likely by the day

June 10, 2003

Page 2

that a March recall election, combined on the ballot with the presidential vote and the legislative primaries, would increase the governor's chances of surviving. That's probably true. In a special election, those motivated to recall Davis would be the most likely to vote. Davis has few ardent supporters, and it would be difficult for him to get the general public excited enough to go to the polls to keep him in office.

In the end, the governor's fate might rest with his fellow Democratic officeholders -- from Bustamante to Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Treasurer Phil Angelides and even U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Voters will decide on a possible successor at the same time they are asked to determine Davis's future. If any or all of these Democrats put their names on the ballot, it will be almost impossible for the governor to portray the recall as a partisan witch hunt. The election would then focus on Davis' performance as governor, and he would probably lose.

But if the Democrats stay out, and politically ambitious actor Arnold Schwarzenegger also takes a pass, the election might play out as a choice between Davis and the recall's main financial backer, Republican U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa of San Diego County.

Issa is a wealthy businessman with government experience, but he is little known statewide, and the Davis campaign would try to turn the public's focus onto his challenger.

Either way, though, the governor is in big trouble.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Writer ---------------------------

The Bee's Daniel Weintraub can be reached at (916) 321-1914 or at dweintraub@sacbee.com.

PAGE 1 | PAGE 2