GOP won’t commit in governor recall vote

The California Republican Party voted overwhelmingly Saturday not to endorse any candidate in the looming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.

The lopsided vote — supported by about 90 percent of delegates — reflected concerns that an internal feud among candidates would cleave party ranks and sour Republicans who wouldn’t bother to vote if their candidate was snubbed.

There are 24 Republicans on the recall ballot, with leading contenders including talk radio host Larry Elder, former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, businessman John Cox, state legislator Kevin Kiley, former Olympian and reality TV personality Caitlyn Jenner and former congressman Doug Ose.

In the recall election, voters will be asked should Newsom be removed then to choose a replacement from list of candidates. If a majority votes for Newsom’s removal, the candidate who gets the most votes on the second question becomes governor.