Recall!: California's Political Earthquake: California's Political Earthquake

In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in the world - is given to dramatic swings. Its legislative system is often defined by gridlock on matters large and small. The use of the initiative, one of the tools of "direct democracy", has become commonplace. Over the years, California has had more than its share of political turmoil. But for pure melodrama, nothing matches the 2003 campaign to recall the state's sitting governor, Gray Davis. Recall! relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the political history of the Golden State. The authors are recognized experts on California politics and regular local television political analysts. They provide fascinating coverage of the events leading up to Davis's replacement by bodybuilder-turned actor-turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger; describe the large and colorful cast of characters involved in the special election; and demonstrate how California's one-of-a-kind mix of political, economic, and social circumstances made it all possible. Pt. 1. The Politics Of Recall -- The California Republic : More Like A Nation Than A State -- Elements Of A Perfect Storm -- Pt. 2. The Shaping Of The Battle -- The Legislature : Gridlock Defined -- Governor Gray Davis : Triumph, Decline, Denial -- Qualifying For The Ballot : Right-wing Conspiracy Or Convergence Of Interests? -- Pt. 3. The Campaign -- The 75-day Sprint -- The Issues -- Interest Groups : Taking Sides -- The Campaigns And The Media : Whose Election Is It Anyway? -- Pt. 4. The Outcome -- Davis Loses The Recall Battle -- Recall And Political Stability In California : Can They Coexist? -- Epilogue -- Appendix A : Recall Timeline -- Appendix B : The 2003 Recall Election And California Politics On The Internet. Larry N. Gersten And Terry Christensen. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 169-180) And Index. Gerston and Christensen (both of the department of political science, San Jose State U.) analyze the institutions and events that led to the inauguration of Austrian-born actor Arnold Schwarzenegger as California governor. Although most of the material concentrates on the recall campaign and the special elections, the authors begin with a discussion of the political problems that led to the recall, including the budget shortfalls, the power crisis, and a plunging economy. They profile the major candidates, the issues of the campaign, the involved interest groups, and the role of the media. Finally, the examine the key factors for the elections outcome and assess the future of political stability in the state. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in the world - is given to dramatic swings. This work relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the political history of the Golden State.