What Davis and the Democrats Must Do (CA)

[David__77]

Gov. Gray Davis can defeat this hostile takeover attempt by the right. He can win outright. I have spoken with a friend in state government, and plans are underway to accomodate more than fifty, or even more than 100 candidates (!) who may clutter the recall ballot. Indeed, this will quickly descend into a circus. The state assembly has just approved a balanced budget and Gov. Davis will most likely sign in on Thursday. Davis should keep the initiative.

The Davis administration raised vehicle license fees by 200%, which is mandated by state law when the coffers run dry. The low rate was actually a reduction to be in place only during good times--and these surely aren't good time. But Davis and the Democrats in the legislature have another choice: they can re-establish the top income tax brackets for high-wage earners and reduce these car registration fees again. This is the smart thing to do, and the right thing to do! The 4 billion dollars can be brought in with regressive car fees or with progressive income taxation--the latter is fairer and will go far in alleviating voter anger. Many thousands surely signed recall petitions only with the knowledge that car gees were due to rise. Davis would gain a good measure of support by pursuing another course. This course would be possible because "revenue-neutral" tax changes can be approved with a majority, as opposed to a 2/3rd vote in the legislature.

This action, coupled with a spirited defense of labor and the eight-hour overtime rule, family leave laws (including the nation's first paid family leave law!), abortion rights, civil rights for all and protecting the environment, can provide the means for outright victory against the right.

[Dagaz]

1. Davis should resign

Just run somebody competant and they'll win easily.

[whoYaCallinAlib]

2. He can still win.

I wouldn't underestimate him.

[Trad Bass]

3. Feinstein dammit!

She's awesome.

[waggawagga]

4. Davis Has One Chance

The only way Davis can win is if he gets the support of the national party and turns the election into a referendum on the recall. If every Democrat of national stature comes into the state and makes the case against it I think Davis would beat it back by a narrow margin (around 55%).

If the Democrats around Davis think they can hold on by playing games (eg. putting 100 people on the ballot) they're badly mistaken. A majority of voters are already disgusted with him. Whether it's fair or not any games like this would give them one more reason to vote him out (the ballot, remember, has two questions, Davis only wins if he gets a majority on the first, but if he does the second is moot).

One more thing Democrats should do is threaten to run out of the party anyone who gives this recall any credibility. One reason Schwarzenegger, Riordan, etc., are reluctant to run, I think, is because they sense that even if they win the circumstances of this election are so weird they'll ruin their future viability. They're probably right to think this (a winner won't get a majority).

So no Feinstein. If Huffington runs pay for her microphone and then trash her.

[Jack Rabbit]

7. That's part of it

With such low approvals ratings, Davis would be wasting his time trying to convince enough voters that he's really the best thing since sliced bread. He can, however, paint this as an abuse of the recall process. Most newspapers in the state take that position while also being disenchanted with Davis.

The tact Davis has indicated up to now is, in my judgment, not a good one. That is where no Democrat will run and the entire field of possible replacement candidates will be made to look even worse than Davis.

Realistically, those of us going to the polls can be expected to choose from among the replacement candidates on the ballot, regardless of whether one votes for or against the recall. In spite of what Davis puts out about the field of replacement candidates, most voters will view at least one favorably. A strong Democratic alternative would almost assure that the Democrats will retain control of the governor's office, even in the event that Davis is recalled.

I will vote No on the recall question and I will vote for the non-rightwing nut candidate most likely to win.

[ShaneGR]

5. Well, why risk an open senate seat???

Seriously, we have a chance to retake the Senate. Why concur the cost of a Senate race, that Feinstein would have won easilly, when Davis can win the whole thing outright in less than 90 days??

[Jack Rabbit]

6. If Feinstein were to becme governor

If Fieinstein were to resign from the Senate in order to assume duties as Governor of California, se would appoint her successor. That person would remain in the Senate until November 2004, when an election would determine who will fill the seat until the term expires in January 2007. Senator Boxer will also be up for re-election in 2004.