Gray Davis Should Resign

That's a real pity, not least because watching the resultant chaos among candidates for Governor would have genuine entertainment value. But the real benefit would be to the stability of California state government. A change in administration seems likely, no matter what. A change to a Republican administration would be hugely disruptive at a point where state government is facing a continuing fiscal crisis that defied leaders of both parties to completely solve this year. Installing Cruz Bustamante as Governor could be handled in an orderly fashion, would be less disruptive, and would blunt the Republican party's effort to seize power. It's anybody's guess what such a move would mean for the recall election, but that would be part of the entertainment.

But it ain't a gonna happen. Gray Davis is as self serving a politician as has ever held the office of Governor. As long as any uncertainty remains as to his chances of avoiding recall, he will hang in there and fight like hell. That spectacle in itself promises to be entertaining, but my urge to laugh is tempered by the prospect of the whole government, already at a low ebb, getting trashed even further. A successful new Governor, particularly if a Republican, will have a nearly impossible job of lining up support in the Senate and Assembly for passing a new budget next year. If that leads to further chaos, then the prospect of yet another recall campaign, this time mounted by Democrats, can't be discounted. Thus the state would have to endure yet another upheaval, whatever the outcome. I believe if that happens, there might then be bipartisan support to amend the state constitution to abolish or modify the recall provision. But before that happens, we get to watch California government tie itself into knots for the duration. Spare us this outcome Mr. Davis. Resign now!