In celebration of the gubernatorial inauguration on Wednesday, please pay a visit to RevoteWA. Thanks to the great work of some devoted bloggers (most notably SoundPolitics and Shark Blog) and talk-radio (the always-reliable duo of Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson), the fun is just beginning in this state. For those looking for a California-style recall, however, do not count on it (this op-ed article explains why). The article concludes, with some foresight:
Although the Legislature and the courts in Washington have erected safeguards to protect against abuses of the recall process, it is not inconceivable that one day policy disagreements will develop into the recall of a governor in this state. All that would be needed is the combustible combination of an unpopular governor, controversial policy decisions, tough economic times and an opening such as an error in judgment on a nondiscretionary matter.
Washington may not have to worry about a California-style recall drive today, but the very same empowerment that fuels the initiative and referendum process may one day fuel a recall drive or, more ironically, an initiative easing the legislative limitations and safeguards on recall in Washington. That day may be closer than we think.
Although that "combustible combination" may indeed be imminent, a recall under current law would make Lt. Governor Brad Owen the new governor. For now, a revote appears to be a sound strategy and sound politics.
1 comment:
Thank yyou for this
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