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I was hoping that the Republicans would show some semblance of order and not run a bunch of candidates. But, of course, that's like hoping that Rosie O'Donnell won't eat the last jelly doughnut in the box. And for a while, it looked like the Dems might lose their normal lockstep discipline. 3 or 4 strong Democrat candidates were toying with running. In the end, however, the Dems maintained their usual level of self-control as did the Republicans. As a result, the GOP has 3 strong candidates and the Dems are all lined up behind Bustamente. Business as usual with the CA GOP!

I didn't want to see a RINO in a good position to win when this started. The RINO in question, at the time, was Slick Dickie Riordan. In fact, were Riordan the "front runner", I'd vote against the recall and for Cruz Bustamente! Riordan is not only to the left of Aaaahnold, he's to the left of Davis and Bustamente. But now that Aaaahnold has sucked the air outta Slick's room, things are different.

Aaaahnold isn't a great candidate. He's not really a good one either. He's "OK". But all that's in regard to policy. In terms of politics, he's out-freakin'-standing. He can win this. (Note that "can" doesn't equal "should"!) This is assuming that he doesn't implode between now and October. And assuming that he can take the heat in this kitchen, the GOP should seriously consider pressuring Simon and McClintock to back out. (Simon should back out anyway. He's a good guy, but he still has the smell of death on him.)

Aaaahnold can inflict a serious bloody nose to the Dems if he wins. He probably won't get squat done, but neither will McClintock. The difference is that Aaaahnold has the political cache to get away with blaming the Dems in the Assembly and Senate if things don't improve. McClintock would be accused of simply playing politics. The media will gleefully participate in demonizing Gov. McClintock. They'll at least think twice about attacking Gov. Schwarzenegger. This wiggle room could translate into GOP gains in the Assembly and Senate. (Remember that the GOP did gain seats in the Legislature during the last election.) A popular RINO governor would be able to campaign in swing districts for GOP candidates. ("Vote for these guys if you vant to live!") And the selection of those candidates would be done by the more conservative GOP primary voters.

In the long run, this RINO could inadvertantly help get conservatives elected from districts where Republicans and independents hold an edge in registration over the Dems. In the short term, the Dems might be able to pass some pretty crappy laws if they can convince Aaaahnold that the bills are "bipartisan".

Decisions, decisions... The best course of action right now is to see how Aaaahnold handles the pressure over the next month. If he can, then we might consider hopping on the bandwagon rather than under it.

(And now, if y'all will excuse me, I need a drink!)

Well-written, reasonable post. EXCEPT: why do you think that the Media will treat AAAAAhhhhhnold well, if he is elected?

"They won't dare attack him," you say.

Wanna bet?

That's the best defense of Arnold I've seen yet.

However, I think he *will* be blamed for anything and everything up to and including a nameless, drunken, homeless person's staggering trip over the curb and onto the road.

It's California.