Editorial: Voters should say 'no' to Denham recall

Sacramento Bee ^ | 3/22/8 | Editor

[SmithL]

Holding an election to recall state Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Atwater, may seem like a juicy political move for some Senate Democrats. But it also will be an unneeded distraction at a time when the Legislature can least afford one.

Democrats say they are going after Denham because he voted against last year's budget, flip-flopped on support for schools and voted against a flood control bond, etc.

Yet as we all know, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata isn't trying to unseat Denham to enforce policy purity, or crack down on hypocrisy. (If that were the case, dozens of recalls would be in order.)

Since Democrats hold a registration edge in the 12th Senate District, Perata sees an opening to grab a seat for his party. And with voters frustrated with all politicians, it's easy to get people to sign recall petitions, even if they don't know much about Denham, such as the fact that he's their state senator.

State elections officials said Tuesday that more than 38,000 valid signatures were turned in to qualify the recall in Denham's district.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must set the recall election in the next 60 to 80 days. It likely will be scheduled in conjunction with the the June 3 primary election.

[SmithL]

This is from the Bee?

[SmithL]

peRATa Ping

[NormsRevenge]

PeRaTaGaTe

Thanks for posting.. There is low and then there is .. Perata!

[goldstategop]

Millions of dollars spent to oust Sen. Denham for voting the wrong way on the state budget. Sounds like an abuse of the recall procedure to me.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus