[SamKeck]

And let's not forget the wild card in the deck -- the possibility that Joe Davis might resign when he finally realizes that he cannot win a recall vote and let Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamonte take over, thus leaving the office in 'crat hands for the next two years.

Right now, that's my best scenario.

[GiveEmDubya]

As I have understood from California state law, once those signatures were submitted (which they have been) or something to that effect, the recall is locked in. Gray Davis can still resign, making Bustamante Acting Governor. However, in what would be only a 1-question recall ("Who should be the new governor?"), the replacement will STILL be elected and Bustamante will go BACK to being Lt. Gov. the day after the election.

In other words, the nightmare scenario of Davis resigning for Bustamante had it's chance, and the window is closed on that. Possibly the only thing resignation could do is prop Bustamante up in a recall election but I don't see it as having much effect.