A recall campaign against Gov. Gray Davis funded by $800,000
from a conservative Southern California congressman seems more and
more likely to reach the ballot, but this Republican-led drive to
recall Davis, a Democrat, is misguided and a waste of taxpayers
’ money, and nothing more than a political party drawing a line
in the sand.
A recall campaign against Gov. Gray Davis funded by $800,000 from a conservative Southern California congressman seems more and more likely to reach the ballot, but this Republican-led drive to recall Davis, a Democrat, is misguided and a waste of taxpayers’ money, and nothing more than a political party drawing a line in the sand.
Recall advocates are misusing a rightful course of action that should be used to remove an official for corruption, abuse of power or office or serious malfeasance. In this case, however, recall proponents are using it as a way to overturn results of an election based only on political differences. With Rep. Darrell Issa’s, R-Vista, money funding the drive, supporters say they have 700,000 of the 897,158 signatures of support, or 12 percent of the turnout in last November’s gubernatorial race, they must collect by Sept. 2 to put the measure on the November ballot.
While many of those signing the petitions are exercising their rights, and we applaud their interest and efforts, it must be noted that most of those gathering the signatures are being paid.
Davis, a lame duck governor because of term limits, has the lowest approval rating of any California governor in 55 years, and carries reasons for Californians to be angry with the direction (or lack thereof) he has provided.
Proponents blame Davis for covering up the depth of the state’s fiscal woes until after his re-election last November and allowing a state budget shortfall to increase to $38.2 billion. Davis correctly blames the national recession for much of the problems in California. He denied any cover-up, saying the problem was simply worse than budget experts had anticipated.
However, his lack of leadership on convincing the Legislature to pass a balanced budget, now overdue, and on many other issues are glaring shortfalls. If the Republicans had run a centrist candidate for governor last year there’s a good likelihood Davis would not be in the state house. The recall effort smacks of partisan politics.
The lack of leadership is much to blame for the state’s electricity mess, and the continuing high prices California residents and businesses will be paying for years to come. And Californians will be paying for years for his willingness to sign into law overly generous pension benefits for public employees, and for his refusal to deal strongly with the ongoing budget and workers’ compensation crises.
California is on a verge of an early 1990s-style economic breakdown unless the budget and workers’ compensation crises are resolved quickly and the state’s anti-business climate is reversed.
Initially, Davis had nothing to fear from the recall threat. Not one of the 31 campaigns against California governors has made it to the ballot. But this one is fueled by the deep pockets of Issa, who – now get this – has already set up a gubernatorial campaign committee. If this recall effort were to make it to a special election, it would cost taxpayers $25 million to $35 million, money the state doesn’t have. It would ask voters two questions: Should Davis be removed? If so, which of any number of candidates should replace him? Issa has said the drive is a rightful action to give voters the right to select a more competent governor.
Although recalls are an effective form of direct democracy that keep politicians in check, recall elections should be used sparingly and only for the most serious reasons. Does this rise to the test?
It’s a close call, but we reluctantly say no.
