California Gets Back Into Campaign Mode

Re “License Bill Draws Mixed Response,” July 29: How convenient that Gov. Gray Davis decides to change his mind about signing a bill authorizing those in this country illegally to apply for driver’s licenses as he makes history for being the first California governor to face recall. Hopefully it will not get him the Latino votes he needs to retain his position.

The real “public safety issue for California” is allowing illegal immigrants to remain here, and one way to make sure that they do is to continue to provide them with the benefits previously afforded to legal residents only. All Davis represents is one more politician purchased by special-interest groups.

Judy McLaughlin

Simi Valley

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It may be one of those unintended consequences of the recall effort that Davis might actually support several important policies pushed by progressives. He knows that his poll ratings are low not only because moderates don’t like him but because the Democratic base has little reason to come rushing to his rescue. This base will be pivotal Oct. 7, and this is why Davis may deviate from his centrist and pro-business ways.

Already he has pledged to support driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. This makes all the sense in the world, but Davis refused to sign the measure last fall. Other reforms may be in the legislative pipeline -- and Davis would be well advised to give progressives a reason to show up Oct. 7. This may yet be the time when Davis joins the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party -- and we may have the far right to thank for it.

Arin Dube

Berkeley

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Re “Campaign Could Top $50 Million,” July 28: Although I am not a huge supporter of Davis, this recall push disgusts me. An estimated $50 million or more may be raised to oust Davis, and by his supporters. Fifty million dollars. With our current situation of projected hospital closures and decreasing funds for schools, raising such an enormous amount of money for such a cause is ridiculous. How about we keep Davis in office (because, yes, he was elected) and use the money raised to give help to those areas that need it most?

Mandy Malpede

Hermosa Beach

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I have decided that the only initiative petition that I will sign is one that requires all signature gatherers to be unpaid registered California voters.

Paul Eklof

Costa Mesa

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Shouldn’t we have a law that stipulates that only those who participated in the last gubernatorial election be allowed the privilege of recalling the winner of that election?

Chris Cline

Paso Robles

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Re “Golden State Twilight,” editorial, July 27: Your statement, “The ease with which Issa’s $1.5 million, with a boost from talk radio, bought the signatures for recall,” should have every thinking person frightened. These shrieking talk radio hosts are influencing/corrupting the political thinking of our nation.

Carole Merritt

Topanga

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Your editorial found no basis for the recall of Davis. You wanted a crime. How about his blatant lie regarding the extent of the budget shortfall? While he was campaigning it was about $12 billion. After his reelection the budget shortfall swelled to $35 billion. If that isn’t cause for recall then there aren’t any good reasons.

David R. Gillespie

Bonita

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As a lifelong Republican, I too share a distaste for Davis’ recall (July 26). He has done nothing illegal or immoral to warrant this action. Though he is clearly incompetent, the real rubes in this fiasco are the state’s voters who elected the current majority in the Assembly. The electorate approves every bond measure and asks the Assembly for every service known to man without any thought as to who’ll pay. Well, my fellow Californians, stop your whining and don’t expect me to pay for it.

Charles Winning

West Hills