Dan Weintraub has the latest twist in the recall saga. The words "if appropriate" are rearing their ugly head again. The author of the 1974 amendment that added them (presumably a Democrat, though Weintraub doesn't say), claims that he added them for the purpose of ensuring succession of the Lt. Governor in the event of a recall, rather than allowing an election. He's going to court, and if he wins, it will be a choice between Grayout and Bustemante, with the second half of the ballot nonexistent.

Weintraub is skeptical. So am I.

Of course he's a Democrat. His terms are near the bottom of the list.

California is going to require a lot of work and in 2004 could become a huge liability to whichever party wins if they are not very, very careful.

Anyone know if Bustemante is as corrupt as Davis?

No, I think he's just a typical Democrat, in terms of corruption. But my impression is that he's not very bright. Of course, that's my impression Grayout, too.