Former California Gov. Gray Davis, who was recalled from office in 2003, told MSNBC Monday that recall races like the one taking place in Wisconsin Tuesday are a fact of life for elected officials.
“Well, I’m not getting involved in that race, Alex [Wagner]. I’m sure the Democrats will vote against him, and the Republicans will vote for him,” said Davis. “But I do want to say this: In the West, there are a lot of states that have the initiative process. We have never trusted politicians, and I think that’s a common feeling around America today. And whether you like it or not, when you’re in politics in the west, you realize that the referendum, initiative and recall are part of the process.”
He added: “In California, that’s just part of the deal, Alex, if you’re gonna run here. I mean, Gov. Reagan was subject to recall, so was Gov. Wilson, Gov. Brown, Gov. Duekmejian — obviously most of them failed. But that is always a risk that you assume. And if you don’t like that, find some other line of work.”
