Still, it was a peculiar campaign. In a highly-partisan era, in an election where Independents weren't particularly engaged, the results were completely predictable: 2 to 1 against the recall, just like the D to R party registration numbers. Given those numbers, I was puzzled why Republicans thought the recall was even worth trying. They apparently felt Democrats would barely notice the recall campaign was happening, and could slip anything past the electorate. Strange confidence there.
And why elevate Larry Elder, of all people? Why did he catch fire among Republicans? A shock jock on the radio - big ego, no experience. It was a discrete decision too - it didn't just happen. His own TV ads portrayed him as a humorless fanatic. Elder seemed to conduct his campaign in megachurches, endorsing every unpopular idea the GOP has ever had in the last 30 years.
With every campaign that the GOP loses, they further cement their status as losers, and highlight their irrelevance for the future. As California goes, so goes the nation.
Congratulations to Daniel Watts, who came in 9th with more than 113,000 votes, much better than his 2003 showing. Conditions were so much better for his campaign this year.
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