What Might California Augur?

The March 17 deadline for gathering signatures for the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom of California is upon us. Some 1.5 million are needed and nearly 2 million have signed so far. If the early 83% validation rate holds up, it looks like Coast voters will get to decide whether they want to recall the Democrat who was once the golden boy of the Golden State but who has lately proved a disappointment to millions.

Just getting enough signatures to trigger a recall election is an accomplishment few thought would happen. As recently as 2018, Mr. Newsom won the governorship with 62% of the vote. The recall effort took off after Mr. Newsom attended a party with lobbyists without masks or social distancing while telling Californians to mask up and keep their distance. A few polls recording the governor s approval rating plunged below 50%.

Suddenly the long shot started to look credible, though the populist recall process in California has historically been a bit wild. In 2003, when Governor Gray Davis was recalled, it precipitated a ballot listing more than 135 candidates, including a stripper and comedians. This recall could see even more candidates enter the fray, even if, in the end, name recognition is likely to prove to be a huge factor.

via www.nysun.com

As ridiculous as it sounds, we could get somebody worse.