Let’s hope California, America’s most populous state, doesn’t spawn another nationwide antigovernment juggernaut.
Already father to successful populist initiatives for mindless tax cuts and term limits, the Golden State on Oct. 7 will consider recalling its governor because of budget woes.
Democrat Gray Davis, early into his second term, is blamed for the state’s $38.2-billion revenue shortfall.
No Democrats are expected to seek election as his replacement, leaving the field open to Republicans such as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Any Government 101 student realizes that legislatures, not governors, enact and control state budgets. And California’s two legislative bodies heavily favor Democrats.
Duh. If Davis can’t work with members of his own party, neither The Terminator nor any other GOP pol will have a snowball’s chance in hell.
A successful recall will only spur other tax-starved states to shoot themselves in their fiscal feet. (27 JULY 2003)
