Governor blames GOP for cuts as his recall poll numbers worsen

Sacramento -- Gov. Gray Davis, fighting for his political survival in the face of a campaign to recall him from office, signed a nearly $100 billion state budget on Saturday and laid much of the blame for painful cuts at the feet of Republicans.

Yet as Davis was hoping to get a boost from the budget signing, both Republican and Democratic strategists confirmed Saturday that a poll done for the California Teachers Association late last week showed Davis losing in the recall, 54 percent to 39 percent.

That's worse than the 51 percent to 43 percent gap shown in a Field Poll two weeks ago, and operatives from both parties said recent polls done for Democratic legislators and for various would-be candidates show similarly bad news for Davis.

"I haven't seen any polls, but from talking to a lot of people, my sense is that the recall is ahead by 15 to 20 percentage points," said Darry Sragow, a veteran Democratic consultant. "I expect that number will narrow as we get closer to the (Aug. 9) filing deadline."

more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/08/03/MN294235.DTL

Davis should resign. Take one for the team.

I want Davis to stay, but only on principle. He's not that great of a Gov, but neither does he deserve this slimeball of a recall. Unfortunately, recent events--and a few unmittigated assholes--have conspired against him.

It sucks, but there is absolutely TOO much at stake, and the recall rules allow too much opportunity for a piece of shit Repuke to steal the office.

Davis should not risk California for his career. Let Bustamante step in, then run a campaign to remove or correct the recall clause in California's constitution.

IF Davis steps down, an election would still go forward. Bustamante would be up against the GOP, who would tar him as being "Davis' lieutenant." We can't very well defend against the charge if we don't defend Davis, can we? The only way to win is to face it full-on. We can have a "placeholder" if necessary, on the ballot. BUT, Davis should not resign, and the candidate should oppose the recall.