SFGate reports that Davis is demanding that Bustamante drop out, saying that Davis has a decent chance if there's no Democrat alternative.
In a nutshell: Gov. Gray Davis' folks say their polls show Democratic "fallback" candidate Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante is toast -- and will never overcome Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Worse, the Davis folks say Bustamante's continued presence in the race is drawing votes from the governor's bid to hold onto his job, by giving disaffected Democrats the "false hope" they will be able to replace Davis with another Democrat.
According to Davis' polls, support for firing Davis is running at 53 percent to 55 percent with Bustamante in the race. With "backup" Bustamante out -- the recall is a dead heat.
Bustamante doesn't agree, of course.
I find it hard to believe that there are many democrats voting Yes on the recall merely because Cruz is on the ballot. I guess Dems might stay home thinking Cruz will win without their vote, but even paying attention to the race half-ass should convince any Dem that a Cruz victory is far from certain. Sounds like desperation from the Davis camp.
Posted by: Howard Owens at October 1, 2003 07:02 PM