Fellow Democrat's decision shatters Davis' united front

The Mercury News ^ | 8/7/03 | Jim Puzzanghera, Laura Kurtzman and Ann E. Marimow

[Pro-Bush]

After being boosted by Sen. Dianne Feinstein's decision to stay out of the recall election, California Gov. Gray Davis' strategy of a united Democratic front was crushed Wednesday night when Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante decided to enter the race.

Bustamante will announce his candidacy this morning, said his chief of staff, Lynn Montgomery, who declined to elaborate on the reasons for the lieutenant governor's decision. Bustamante pledged in June that he would not run for governor, saying, ``I will not attempt to advance my career at the expense of the people I was elected to serve.''

[Pro-Bush]

Thanks Cruz! I appreciate it.

[ladyinred]

How funny. They are pretending that Diane stayed out the race out of some respect for Davis!!! Too outrageous! Davis went to Chicago to his union thugs and talked them (bribed) into threatening any rat who would dare run against him! Diane meekly stepped back. Cruz hates Davis, btw.

[Pro-Bush]

Cruz hates Davis, btw.

He must, to be going against his party like that.

[goldstategop]

This was written before Arnold crashed down the doors. I don't think Gray Davis is "politically alive" any more. He's at death's door.

[Pro-Bush]

I don't think Gray Davis is "politically alive" any more.

Can't agrue with ya.

[DB]

Any politician with brains would stay out. Why get into a mud fight for an impossible job that everyone will blame no matter what he/she does? It's more like a contest for who gets to step in front of an oncoming freight train...

[nunoste]

What happens if Davis resigns before October? The recall election is to recall Gray Davis, but if he resigns, wouldn't Bustamante take over? Does Davis hate Bustamante more than he hates the Republicans? I'm not sure what happens if Davis bows out. Anyone?

[DB]

If Davis quits Bustamante is governor until the recall election. If voters decide not to recall Davis in the recall election Bustamante would remain governor. Otherwise the candidate with the most votes becomes governor immediately.

[Russell Scott]

Democrats screaming: "Man the lifeboats!!!"

[Pro-Bush]

Democrats screaming: "Man the lifeboats!!!"

Davis got 8 million from the AFL-CIO, which is widely reported. He hit his last nail in his coffin.

Arnold, on the other hand said he did not need any money. McClintock & Simon will need to quickly get their message out, I predict one will drop out of the race. Either way, a republican win is a shoe-in.

[jocko12]

BYE DOOFUS!!!!