Gov. Gavin Newsom fights for survival ahead of California recall vote
California Gov. Gavin Newsom spent the weekend fighting for his political survival ahead of Tuesday’s vote on whether to recall the incumbent.
The vote marks the culmination of a grassroots effort launched last year by conservative activists opposed to Newsom’s stances on everything from taxes and homelessness to the death penalty.
“The stakes could not be higher,” Newsom, a Democrat, was quoted as saying on Saturday in Oakland by the Los Angeles Times.
“This election is a matter of life and death,” he said. “Public health is on the ballot. Climate science is on the ballot. Social justice is on the ballot.”
Californians are faced with two questions on the ballot, the first asking if Newsom should get the boot and the second asking, If so, who should replace him.
Larry Elder, a conservative radio host, is considered the Republican frontrunner in a huge group of eclectic candidates.
The recall effort gained momentum in November when the governor was seen dining mask-free at exclusive restaurant the French Laundry, flying in the face of his own exhortations for Californians to avoid gathering over the holidays during the pandemic.
High-profile Democrats have rallied to his side. Vice President Kamala Harris, a longtime California pol, campaigned with Newsom Wednesday. Former President Barack Obama appeared in an ad in support of the incumbent.
President Biden was scheduled to campaign for Newsom in Long Beach, Calif., on Monday, part of a three-state visit.
Actress Rose McGowan recently came forward to accuse Newsom’s wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom of trying to discourage her from going public with sexual assault allegations against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
A spokesperson for Jennifer Siebel Newsom rejected McGowan’s accusation as a “complete fabrication.”
The only successful recall of a California governor to date came in 2003. That year, voters cast out Democrat Gray Davis and voted in Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
With News Wire Services
