Calblog

Recall as Revolution pt 2

The Establishment vs the People

The California Supreme Court has taken the case about whether the language of the Constitution, as it was changed in 1974, to read that there be a successor election only "if appropriate" means we do not have a successor election for governor because it is more appropriate for the Lt Gov to succeed the Governor in the event of recall.

California Insider has shared the opinion of Republican Tony Quinn who has suggested that Ron George is linked with the political establishment and may want to use the suit to stop the recall madness.

Later there was a response from an anonymous member of the Establishment, which the Insider shared:

Even if Ron George wants to help the Establishment, it's not clear what he should do. Is helping Cruz get elected helping the poltiical establishment? Further, would dropping the second part of the election help or hurt Gray? Some people think the "if appropriate" suits are a way to screw Gray because removing the conservatives from the ballot would make Democrats more comfortable voting for the recall. Also: It is not in Lockyer's interest to take a dive on this, because he is getting older, and his last best chance to run for governor is in 06. He can only do that if Gray serves out his term or is replaced by a caretaker. Elevating Cruz serves neither purpose.

Apparently, the member of the Establishment has no clue what is the Establishment is. To this member, George wouldn't be protecting the Establishment because the Establishment doesn't have a consensus as to the desired solution.

However, he or she has missed the point. In the recall, the Establishment doesn't get a decision. The people vote and elect whomever they darn well please from what may be long list filled with political outsiders.

If George steps in, and says no successor election, then Cruz can step up or Davis can stay. Most importantly, in the future, recall of the governor will be a rather weak tool and the Establishment will retain control over the process. The Establishment will benefit even if George doesn't adorn any particular member.

Can you imagine? George wouldn't be helping us, the Establishment, because we might want the path of succession to go differently. Yeah, that voting thing is just a minor procedural hangup.

Posted by Justene Adamec at July 31, 2003 09:45 PM | TrackBack