San Bernardino News Daily Local news for San Bernardino, about San Bernardino.
By Cliff Cummings
California voters have become more aware of the effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom and the signatures are pouring in! As of this writing the total has exceeded 2 million signatures with plenty of time left.
While that total is phenomenal, there will always be duplicate signatures, bad addresses, inaccurate petitions or pure fraud perpetuated by individuals for personal gain or those trying to game the system. The number needed to meet the necessary 1,500,000 net accurate signatures is about 2,000,000.
It is now apparent that the recall will happen. So, what next? The easy answer is that we have an election and the Governor is either recalled or not. The recall ballot is a simple yes or no on top, but that’s when the easy answers cease. IF the voters vote to recall the Governor, the second step is to vote your preference for the candidate to replace him.
My sources indicate that 5 relatively well-known Democrats will opt to run. That is great news for Republicans because that would split the vote and make it easier for a single Republican candidate to win with less than 30% of the vote total. Keep in mind there is a plurality needed, not 50% plus one.
Sadly, for Republicans, this likely will not happen. A couple have raised their hands and now that the recall looks like it will happen more will jump in. Conversely, if the Democrats see a Republican calvary charge, they may get smart and run only one or two candidates while quietly promising a positional reward to those they persuade to drop out.
It may come down to which team controls their players the best. Governor Newsom had eyes on a Cabinet post or a Senate run, but those hopes are likely dead and buried. Senator Feinstein has indicated she is likely to run again with her very questionable health, but her support is thin, and the Democrats are faced with finding someone more appealing to the Democrat base.
Is change in the wind? Absolutely as it pertains to personnel. Is there a chance California can turn Red? Perhaps, but the change will be considered real when the Governor is recalled and replaced by a business friendly, fiscally responsible Republican or even a reasonable Democrat who can stop the waste with actions, not promises.
