[JohnnyZ]

As I understand it:

There would be a 2-part ballot question:

1. Keep Gray Davis? (Yes or NO)

2. Who is your preference for governor other than Davis?

a) Dem
b) Dem2
d) Pub1
e) Green
f) Pub2
g) Dem3

If Davis loses part 1, the candidate in part 2 with the highest vote total is the new governor.

[ewing]

That would be great if Arnie or Condi Rice would consent to having their name on the ballot.

The Democratic House in California still reamins a problem regarding the late GOP convention and getting the ballots ready for 2004..

[ken5050]

I'm STILL waiting for anyone to answer this scenario.....IF they manage to get the needed number of signatures certified..the Dems will immediatelt "convince" Davis to resign....the LtGov takes over, and the whole recall is moot....and they give the new guy a leg up in the next election....

[kellynla]

Under California's constitution, a petition to get the recall process started will have to gather about 12 percent of the votes cast in the election for governor, or close to 900,000.
Once those signatures are certified by the secretary of state, the lieutenant governor is required to schedule a special election within 180 days of the original filing. A special election could take place in July or August, with no limit on the number of candidates who could be on the ballot.
The candidate emerging with a plurality of votes would be the new governor of California.
California election analysts say a candidate with as little as 2 percent of the votes could win if many candidates qualify for the ballot.
To maximize its chances of winning, each party will likely try to agree on a single well-known candidate.

[Gophack]

If the recall qualifies, the big question is ... does Davis resign? If he does, Bustamante becomes gov and there is no recall ...

[NathanR]

Sounds about right.

That is why I may sit this out. I think there are three outcomes, all bad.

1) Davis wins. He gets a swell head, and his enemies are demoralized.

2) Davis loses. Democrat wins. Winner works well with legislature. Even more socialist laws are passed, and winner can be re-elected. Republicans are demoralized.

3) Davis loses. Republican wins. Democrats are energized. New governor can only veto laws, which are overridden by the newly energized legislature. Loses big in next election. Republicans are demoralized.

I say let Davis try to fix his own problems. When he can't, elect more Republicans to the legislature during the next election cycle. Then go from there.

[heleny]

1. Keep Gray Davis? (Yes or NO)

It would more likely be the opposite. Something like:
1. Dump Gray Davis? (YES or No)