State GOP changes mind, fully backs recall

WASHINGTON - The California Republican Party is now fully behind the effort to recall Gov. Gray Davis, the state party chairman said Wednesday, and hopes to narrow the field of GOP candidates to boost the chances of capturing the governor's office.

Moving beyond earlier lukewarm support, California Republican Party Chairman George "Duf" Sundheim spoke passionately during a meeting with reporters here about the need to recall Davis. To accomplish that, party leaders must find a way to keep several Republican candidates from running and splitting the vote -- a scenario that could keep the governor's seat in Democratic hands.

"We're going to need to try to work together to reduce the number of people that are running because ... I believe that's what's in the best interests of California and the party," Sundheim said. "Obviously three's better than four, two's better than three, and if we're able to agree upon one candidate that would be the optimum situation. I can't say at this time whether that's necessary for us to be successful, but it would be preferable."

Limiting potential candidacies is a difficult task for Sundheim, the Palo Alto attorney who took over as party chair five months ago. Unlike a traditional election, a recall would be a free-for-all with no primary. Recall advocates say Davis should be removed for misleading voters last fall about the size of the state's budget deficit, which is now estimated at $38.2 billion.

more: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes/news/6271619.htm

all hell will break out!

it may be worth it

opposition to yet another coup. Emboldened weasels come out. Quelle surprise!