Recall elections serve a crucial role in democratic politics. But in the case of a push to oust Republican State Sen. Jeff Denham, this recall campaign, whether you agree with his politics, is far from justified and ultimately stands to reduce the amount of time spent on more pressing issues in California government.
Denham’s side has argued from the start of his critics’ effort that it originated as political payback for his refusal to go along with last summer’s budget and further delay a stalemate over it. His opponents and recall proponents have contended, however, that Denham, R-Merced, failed to keep commitments he made in getting elected to office, such as his vow to support public education.
Though he disapproved of the 2007-08 budget, he can easily make the point, and has, that he has maintained the same conservative principles throughout his tenure – including his rejection of a 2007-08 budget now reeling from a $14 billion deficit.
Denham’s critics surprisingly gained the needed signatures and many more during the 160-day gathering period allowed under state law – they turned in 20,000 more than needed by law. It wasn’t, however, a shock considering the sophistication and tactics of such campaigns, such as hiring paid signature gatherers.
What citizens must remember if and when they go to the polls to consider a recall against Denham is that this type of serious repercussion for officials should remain reserved for gross injustices – such as lawbreaking or outright lies, which clearly isn’t the case here.
There’s another avenue, of course, for replacing Denham if you happen to prefer another leader making decisions from his seat. For incumbent state senators, it happens every four years. It’s called a reelection, and its weight has proven valuable in holding officials accountable.
Again, agree or disagree, this is a partisan political system, and Denham’s actions happened to fall on one side of the spectrum, as they usually do.
Based on the facts, it’s hard to imagine this recall push reaches beyond petty politics, as Denham’s side has suggested.
