Rescue California

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The recall gets real
Widely regarded as dreamers just weeks ago, recall backers watch signnatures climb as Davis' approval numbers fall

June 15, 2003

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the recall has the potential to do more harm than good to the state Republican party. She and Inland Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, say Republicans in California should instead be focusing on re-electing Bush.

Yet the recall is drawing mounting interest from some GOP legislators.

One afternoon last week, a stream of lawmakers and staff members visited the Rescue California office in Sacramento, including Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta, an early supporter of ousting Davis.

"The thing that amazes me is the checks," Haynes said. "That's not just a voter. That's a committed voter. Davis thinks this thing's not going to qualify until Sept. 2. I think they're wrong."

Besides Haynes, other Inland Republican lawmakers on record supporting the recall are Assembly members Russ Bogh, R-Cherry Valley; John Benoit, R-Palm Desert; Todd Spitzer, R-Orange; and Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta.

Assembly members Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, and Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, have not taken a public position. Nor have senators Jim Battin, R-La Quinta, or Senate Republican leader Jim Brulte, R-Rancho Cucamonga.

Haynes and Hollingsworth both support Issa for governor.

Democratic Assemblyman John Longville of San Bernardino and Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto, oppose the recall effort.

Some who signed the recall petition say they also are unsure about Issa, who remains a mystery to many California voters. They also seem unworried that another Democrat could replace a recalled Davis.

"He couldn't be any worse than the one we got," said Riverside resident Henry Brown, 76, a retired mail carrier.

Reach Claire Vitucci at (202) 661-8422 or cvitucci@pe.com or Jim Miller at (916) 445-9973 or jmiller@pe.com

Staff writer Michael Fisher contributed to this report.

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