The NYT reports that California's Secretary of State yesterday certified the 1.3 signatures submitted by the campaign to recall Governor Gray Davis. Thus, barring irregularities, voters will decide this fall whether the Governor will keep his job.
Critics are complaining that a successful recall effort would trigger a state of "permanent election" in California, crippling government with constant, debilitating recall campaigns. But I've always thought there was something to be said for a little chaos in politics. For example, without the Monica Lewinsky scandal, we might easily have universal "kiddie care" by now.
As I understand the California system, the recall election will take the form of two questions. The first is a thumbs up or down on the current chief. The second part asks voters who they want to replace the Governor. Apparently, it's fairly easy to qualify for a spot in part two, and the candidate with a plurality carries the day. Arnold Schwarzenegger is reportedly considering a run. I wonder whether he could terminate enough California bureaucrats to balance the state's off-kilter budget?
Posted by Marie Gryphon on July 25, 2003you mean 1.3 MILLION signatures, right, not 1.3? Just checking.
Posted by: andrew on August 21, 2003 1:53 PM