A recall could create new opportunities for Democrats
Being a one-party state, California produces strange scenarios for Republican and Democratic politicians.
For Republicans, there are too few competitive seats for them to run in; and for Democrats, too many candidates bumping into one another — particularly as it relates to highly coveted offices such as governor and United States senator.
Usually, those offices are attainable only by being ultra-wealthy or a political celebrity. Mere mortals typically lose. And that is why if the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom qualifies for the ballot, it could create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Democratic politicians who would otherwise not be able to win a top-of-the-ticket race.
When former Gov. Gray Davis was recalled in the early 2000s, then-Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante made the calculation that the special election would be his one shot at being governor. But things didn’t work out that way as he got crushed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
With the effort to recall Newsom now producing over a million signatures, lots of Democrats see this as their opportunity to become the next Golden State governor.
The only one we can rule out for sure is Sheila Kuehl, despite her child-star status.
Likely replacements include state Treasurer Fiona Ma, Controller Betty Yee and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
All of these politicians are statewide constitutional office-holders, have served in lower elected positions before, and are ambitious.
But most importantly, none of them is ultra-wealthy or considered to be a celebrity. If being governor is something they want, this may be their time.
Newsom and the California Democratic Party would prefer that they not run, but have no ability to stop them.
And, as we learned last time around, when the likes of Larry Flynt, Gary Coleman and Angelyne qualified for the ballot, a recall election will attract a cadre of gadflies too.
I also wouldn’t rule out Kanye. After all, he’s trying to win Kim back.
And the truth is, anyone with a billion dollars in the bank and a “D” next to his or her name could potentially replace Newsom.
Yes, I’m talking to you, Kim Kardashian.
Advisers are reportedly telling Newsom to take the recall effort very seriously.
In a recall election, Newsom can raise as much money as he wants to defend his seat. And he’ll need it. Voter turnout should be extremely high, since nobody in California is working these days.
You know what would be the perfect venue for a high-dollar fundraiser? You guessed it: The French Laundry. There, he could charge $1,200 a head, which is what they charge for dinner anyway.
Or, as they call it, the Early Bird Special.
The most recent polls show that about six in 10 Californians approve of Newsom’s performance.
However, if the recall qualifies for the ballot, expect those numbers to drop like a stone — particularly with Republicans, independent voters and people whose businesses he bankrupted.
Historically speaking, Californians have turned to direct democracy when our political leaders have failed us. The initiative, referendum and recall aren’t just in our blood, they’re written into our constitution.
With the arbitrary shutdowns, pathetic vaccine rollout and flouting of the rules by our elected officials, voters are restless.
At the rate people are fleeing the state of California, I just hope we hold this recall vote soon, while we still have a quorum.
John Phillips can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on “The John Phillips Show” on KABC/AM 790.