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We have to get behind Dick Riordan, he is the only GOP person who can win this race.

I don't think he's planning on running.

If you're looking for the RINO in this race, it's Arnold.

And, regardless of my take on his politics, if he runs, he wins. That simple.

"We have to get behind Dick Riordan, he is the only GOP person who can win this race."

Well, I'm in NJ, but I'll give you my 2 cents worth, no charge! I think you are right, here is how I see this race.

1. It will be a very, very short campaign. Name recognition will be of the utmost importance. California is a big state and whoever will prevail must be already known to those in the state who don't pay attention to politics.

2. I'm not at all sure a small turnout can be counted on. This will be a historical first, it will get a lot of media attention and people like to be "a part of things" that are important.

3. One candidate is ESSENTIAL. There are probably going to be a ton of loonies/gadflys/larksters from all political stripes on the ballot, they will siphon off a certain number of votes from Davis too, but there needs to be only one, valid, plausible, Republican alternative.

4. I think Riordan is a good choice, altho' I know that many conservatives don't like him, but it is certainly arguable that it was Davis's attacks that defeated him in the last go 'round.

5. If the goal is really, truly to "get rid of Davis" that must be the goal. It can't be "elect a conservative", "elect a tax-cutter", etc. Republicans alone cannot elect the govenor, you must field ONE candidate who has appeal across the middle and into the other aisle.

Brett Schundler, an unknown, got elected in the special election held in Jersey City after Gerald McCann was sent to prison. There were over 10 people on the ballot, including about 3 blacks, 2 people named Manzo (related? maybe, I forget), 2 hispanics, 2 women, etc., etc. Schundler prevailed by being a Republican, the only one who did not have a twin on the ballot he had to "share" his votes with.

If Riordan wants another bite at the apple, I'd give it to him.