Governor’s recall: Rep. Gallegly not to run but everyone else is in
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: August 13, 2003
Rep. Elton Gallegly decided not to run, and by Friday evening it seemed like he was about the person in California that didn’t throw their hat - and in one notable case, robot head - into the ring to replace Gov. Gray Davis, the forgotten man of his own recall.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Rep. Elton Gallegly decided not to run, and by Friday evening it seemed like he was about the person in California that didn’t throw their hat - and in one notable case, robot head - into the ring to replace Gov. Gray Davis, the forgotten man of his own recall.
In all, over 200 potential candidates are awaiting confirmation that they will appear on the Oct. 7th ballot in the recall.
Supporters claim the recall of Davis, who was reelected to a second term in November, is the return of politics to the people but opponents say a successful - and pricey recall - will lead to political chaos if the recall succeeds.
The cost to Ventura County alone for the special election is estimated at $800,000 before the ballot is finalized; with over 150 candidates already confirmed a slot on the ballot the costs could go even higher.
Rep. Elton Gallegly, a nine-term Congress incumbent, last week said he wold not be a candidate shortly after announcing that he was exploring the run for governor.
Funds and media attention are two of the reasons that Rep. Gallegly said he decided not to run.
“It is clear that Arnold Schwarzenegger will have a lock on the cameras during the critical start of the campaign,” noted a statement released by Rep. Gallegly.
Schwarzenegger, the star of highly popular but mostly critically panned action movies, gained fame through “The Terminator,” a futuristic film heavy on violence. A native of Austria, Schwarzenegger had been interested in politics for years amid speculation that he would eventually run for office.
Rep. Gallegly’s statement noted that the race would most likely be the most expensive in state history with some candidates poised to spend up to $20 million that they “have at their disposal. . .”
In early polls Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is leading Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, who broke ranks with Democrats supporting Davis. Also in the race are political commentator Arianna Huffington and former baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth.
But with the plethora of choices, everyone from Bill Simon - who lost to Davis in November - to former child star Gary Coleman, comedian Gallegher, Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, billboard queen Angelyne and porn star Mary Carey, it is a race that could be won with a fraction of the vote.
Adding to the confusion is the recall aspect of the election, which will require voters - even those that do not support the recall - to vote on the action as well as for a candidate of their choice, in case the recall is successful.
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