[John Jorsett]

Under California law the Lt. Governor replaces the recalled Governor.

Under the state Constitution (scroll up a few posts and you'll see it), it appears that the recall election can carry the name of one or more candidates who would be the replacement:

An election to determine whether to recall an officer and, if appropriate, to elect a successor shall be called by the Governor and held not less than 60 days nor more than 80 days from the date of certification of sufficient signatures.

So Bustamente wouldn't automatically be the new gov. He'd have to run for it.

[Cicero]

So, we need to be sure that somebody does the homework and checks all the constitutional implications. And I still think we need to have some confidence that a decent replacement will be put forward by the Republican party. Going through this whole process for the sake of Riordan would not appeal to many conservatives.

[Amerigomag]

So Bustamente wouldn't automatically be the new gov. He'd have to run for it

In a three way race (Bustamante v. moderate Republican v. conservative Republican) Butamante gets the plurality.

If the Democrats challange Bustamante, the moderate Republican (Roirdan) gets the plurality.

[ScottinSacto]

"shall be called by the governor"...is there a mandate in the constitution about who calls for it if the target of the recall is the governor?