California: Newsom Round -- Jenner on TV (eventually); The Great Naming continues; Polls!

Caitlyn Jenner has been criticized for a disappearing act on the campaign trail -- so she will now be appearing on Sean Hannity's show on May 5th.

The great naming continues, as LA Magazine has a list of Democrats who could run if Newsom stumbles -- Representatives Karen Bass, Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu get on the mention board, as does LA County Supervisor (and former Congresswoman and Secretary of Labor -- an impressive 19th Century throwback resume) Hilda Solis, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and, of course, Antonio Villaraigosa

Polls! Newsom getting some good grades, with 59% liking the handling of school reopening  

Yes, Latino voters will be an important component of a recall vote. 

California: New recall attempt against Los Angeles Councilmember

Another recall attempt has been launched against Councilman Mike Bonin, this time over what may be his support for the shutdowns to prevent further damage from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as his positions on the homeless issue. Bonin previously faced a recall effort in 2017-2018 over his road diet plan -- the DOT's removal of 9.4 miles of traffic lanes to prevent pedestrian deaths. 

Lat time, petitioners needed 27,000 signatures and claim to have raised over $100,000. One of the petitioners back then was Mike Ryavec, who lost to Bonin in the last election in 2017.

Arizona: Recall effort against four Maricopa County Supervisors fails to turn in signatures

The recall effort against four Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Clint Hickman (R), Vice Chair Jack Sellers (R) and Supervisors Bill Gates (R) and Steve Gallardo (D), failed.

The recall effort was launched after the board voted 4-1 to ignore subpoenas issued by the  head of the state Senate's Judiciary Committee, Senator Eddie Farnsworth (R) looking for an audit of the county's election software. The Supervisors instead filed a suit to see if the subpoenas were legal, as there are questions of whether it would illegally expose private information about voters. The court overturned the Board of Supervisors.

There is still an effort ongoing against Steve Churci (R) (who was the one vote against) -- those petitions are due in June.

Petitioners needed a wide range of signature amounts -- from 49,750 to 110,110 to get on the ballot.

The same group, People AZ Alliance, is trying to recall Governor Doug Ducey, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman and State Senator Paul Boyer.

California: Riverside Recall effort fails

The recall effort against Riverside City Councilwoman Gaby Plascencia failed, as no signatures were handed in. Plascencia faced criticism over a proposed bill to cut off water from businesses not following pandemic restriction, a vote for a housing building and other issues. She also previously face complaints over her social media posts claiming that it was hypocritical for Republicans to celebrate Labor Day. Petitioners needed about 4300 signatures to get on the ballot.

Washington: Security Guards hired to protect signature count in Benton County Sheriff recall

Security guards have been hired to protect the signature counting sites for the recall of Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher. They handed in over16,500. They need about 14000 valids to get on the ballot.

Colorado: Westminster Mayor and Councilmember recall get enough signatures for the ballot; two others fail to clear the bar

The twists and turns over the Westminster recall has now hit a new note, with petitioners getting enough signatures to get recalls against Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison and Councilor Jon Voelz to get to the ballot, but petitions against Councilors Anita Seitz and Kathryn Skulley failing to clear the bar. This all comes after a state judge ruled that a city clerk was wrong in tossing out signatures due to petitioners unstapling the cover sheets of the petitions. The judge ruled that the stapling issue was unintentional. The recall is over water bills. Petitioners needed 25% of turnout, which is 5009 signatures for Atchison and 6,098 for the three council members. Skulley's signatures missed by 61; Atchison by 282; Voelz by 635 and Seitz by 757. Atchison's effort got more than a 1000 over the limit and Voelz just got 9. Seitz missed by 35 signatures and Skulley by 23.

Washington: Petitions out against Seattle City Council member

Petitioners have begun mailing signature petitions in the recall effort against Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant (the first socialist elected to Seattle's council in 100 years).  

The State Supreme Court has upheld a lower court judge ruling approving the recall effort against Two of the six charges were dismissed sat the lower level. Sawant would be the first councilmember to face a recall in Seattle's history (though two Mayors were kicked out).

The recall effort was over a kitchen sink of complaints, including revealing the mayor's home address, giving decision-making authority to Socialist Alternative (which has been a complaint against her before, though it was dismissed by the Ethics and Election Commission), promoting a ballot initiative, letting protesters in City Hall after hours and helping to create a criminal environment.

Petitioners would need 10,739 signatures to get on the ballot. Washington is also a "malfeasance standard/judicial recall state", so a recall effort needed to get approval to get on the ballot.

Colorado: Election Bill looks to make changes to recall law

A Colorado Election Bill sponsored by the majority Democrats in the Senate has several sections dealing with the recall. Among the provisions are requiring circulators to wear a badge that distinguishes between volunteers and paid circulators. The bill also would require that petitioners make no false statements (changing the current language from may not include to shall. )It also would explicitly state that a recall vote that ends in a tie would lead to the official retaining the office (which I assumed was the case and is the case elsewhere). 

Currently, there is a third ongoing attempt to recall Governor Jared Polis (D).

California: Newsom Recall Round up -- Celebrities poor results for higher office run

Mark Barabak looks at the poor history of celebrities seeking higher office in the land of Hollywood

Randy Quaid now "seriously considering" recall run

Arnold Schwarzenegger has some advice for Caitlyn Jenner

Willie Brown weighs in

Claims that Jenner's children are embarrassed by the run

Some more on how the process works

Op-ed by Thad Kousser on changes that need to be made in the recall. May have more to say on this. 

Ohio: Newton Falls City Council recall runs into trouble over election date/quorum for scheduling

More trouble with the Newton Falls recall, as the May 25 election date has been rejected by the County Board of Elections because three members walked out, depriving the council of a quorum. 

There was part of a previous crazy scheduling event here, as the Newton Falls City Council scheduled the recall of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) for May 25, 2021. Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected).

The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Kline is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort.  

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall.

Wisconsin: Two Rosendale-Brandon School Board members facing petitions over school consolidation vote

Rosendale-Brandon School Board members Jennifer Riedeman and Craig Mulder are facing recall efforts after they voted to consolidate Rosendale Intermediate School and Brandon Middle School (the vote was 6-3 in favor). Petitioners need 662 signatures in 60 days. The recall is estimated to cost $10,000.

California: Shasta County Supervisor recall hits snag over lack of petitioner signatures in ad

The Shasta County recall effort has run into its first problem, as petitioners failed to sign the ad taken out in the newspaper. Supervisors Leonard Moty, Mary Rickert and Joe Chimenti are facing threats over their support for restrictions to fight the Covid pandemic. Here's a vastly more detailed look at the fight, which notes that petitioners would need about 4000 valid signatures. There is also a claim that the recall proponents have copied their logo from the QAnon logo. 

The cost is between $200,000 and $400,000.

California: The Ball is in Newsom's court -- signature removal laws, spending issues and the signature failure rates

A few key points surrounding yesterday's news that California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) recall effort has got enough signatures to get on the ballot.

1. We don't have final signature numbers yet, but at last count there were 1,626,042 valid signatures. The petitioners turned in 2,117,730. They need 1,495,709 valid to make the ballot. I am not clear if there may be more valid signatures still to be reported. At the moment, that would break down to a 23.3% signature failure rate -- a bit worse than in the Gray Davis recall, but better than many other prominent ones in California.

2. The actual amount matters because the ball now moves into Newsom's court. Newsom is able to start gathering signatures for a counter-petition to get the recall removed. Anyone who signed the petition can now ask to have their names removed. If Newsom gets enough of those signatures in thirty days (at the moment, he would need over 130,000 of them), the recall would be dropped. Seems unlikely -- but it has happened before. 

3. One challenge here is that Newsom does not know who signed the recall petitions. That information is secret and a bill that would have allowed it to be revealed for future races (though not for Newsom) seems to have gone down in flames.

4. The signature removal (or signature strike) law has a long and not so glorious history that I recount in an op-ed in The Hill. A 1915 court ruling ended hopes for a signature removal law. But other states had it, including Nevada, which recently used it (though a judicial decision avoided explaining if the law is legal).

5. California adopted the signature strike law in 2017 in order to ward off a recall against State Senator Josh Newman (D). Part of the goal was also to delay the recall against Newman -- which potentially helps Newsom here. It did not work for Newman, though he did get a good number of signature removals. It did help Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter, who killed a recall attempt in 2017.

6. The first discussion is out on the cost of the recall -- not including campaign spending, just the cost to the state. Right now, we're hearing a $400 million. I would expect that the Democrats want to tout a very high number, so they can argue the recall is a waste of money, and Republicans want a low one. Dianne Feinstein used the "waste of money" argument to great effect in her 1983 San Francisco Mayoral recall and I would expect that it will be one of the pillars of the Newsom campaign (the other pillar being a straight D v. R argument that helped Newsom get a 24% margin in 2018).

7. It is always a challenge to figure out the cost -- we will not have an official number for over two months. 

California: Clerks estimate a $400 million price tag for recall election

The California Association of Clerks and Elected Officials are estimating a $400 million price tag for a Newsom recall, which would take place as a mail-in ballot. This number is based on the 2020 election, whose cost has not been announced, but apparently 33 of 58 counties have sent in their numbers and that has equaled $292 million.

The Davis recall was estimated to have cost between $53 - $66 million (though I've heard the higher number). 

Michigan: Petitions taken out against Ann Arbor Councilman

Petitions have been taken out against Ann Arbor Councilman Jeff Hayner has been targeted with petitions over recent homophobic comments in an attack on journalists -- his comments were apparently an extended quote from Hunter Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Hayner has already been ousted from committees by the rest of the council. Unfortunately, I couldn't open the original article, so no word on signature requirements. 

Update: Hayner is appealing the petition approval -- again, waiting to see the article on a free site.

California: Secretary of State Reports Recall meets signature requirement -- petitioners have 1,626,042 valids

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has confirmed that petitioners have turned in enough signatures to get the recall of California Governor Gavin Newsom on the ballot. Currently, the petitioners have 1,626,042 signatures and they need 1,495,709.  The county clerks have until April 29 to finish their count of signatures -- this total is actually quite important for the next stage of the recall effort. Newsom will be able to gather signatures to get the recall removed from the ballot.

This is clearly a big historical moment. This is clearly the most signatures ever needed for a recall in the US (the Venezuelan Presidential recall in 2004 actually needed more signatures). It may be the highest bar ever passed for any position or initiative of any kind in the US. 

On the signature removal front, I have an op-ed in the Hill tomorrow that goes through the history. It has worked in the past, so the effort should not be dismissed. However, one challenge Newsom will face is that he will not have the names of any of the signers, as that information is not released to the public (a big difference than Wisconsin). There has been a proposal to change that law, but it is currently going nowhere, so that limits the options for the signature removal effort. 

Washington: 16500+ signatures handed in against Benton County Sheriff

Petitioners handed in over 16500 signatures in the recall effort against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher. They need about 14000 valids to get on the ballot.

The Deputy Sheriff's Guild membership was leading the way. An independent investigator found that Hatcher retaliated against a whistleblower and two witnesses and engaged in anti-union activity.

Hatcher also has run into personal issues with his wife filing a civil protection order claiming that he choked her during a fight over his extramarital affairs. The order meant he had to surrender his firearm. He also was previously charged with felony witness tampering and assault, though chargers were dismissed.

Hatcher is now claiming he lives in a cabin in Montana and is suing his wife to cover the expenses of the recall defense.  

The recall was approved by the Washington State Supreme Court. Previously a judge had green lit a recall effort, ruling that petitioners have met Washington's malfeasance standard on eight charges.

Michigan: Recalls target four Rochester School Board members over COVID restrictions

Rochester School Board members Barbara Anness, Kevin Beers, Michelle Bueltel and Andrea Walker-Leidy are facing recall efforts for their support for distance and hybrid learning to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The recall effort has already put forward two petitions, both of which have been rejected on factualness/clarity grounds. 

California: Caitlyn Jenner says "I'm in" -- first media star to announce a run

Plenty of coverage of Caitlyn Jenner's "I'm in" announcement as a replacement candidate in the recall, focused on California as a one party state. My comment in the Guardian is not the most generous, I will freely admit, as I note that it feels like "at best a publicity stunt, as worst a way to raise funds from Republican supporters." I may explain this in greater detail later, until then, well, you know...

California: Report shows that Caitlyn Jenner not a regular voter

 While there's still a bit of buzz surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's potential run for Governor, a new report says that she has voted in only a little over 1/3rd of elections since 2000. Among the elections that she skipped was Gavin Newsom's win in 2018 and the 2003 recall vote.

California: Bill seeking reveal of petition-signers names dropped for the session

State Senator Josh Newman's bill to allow recall targets to see the names of petition signers has been dropped for this session. Newman said that he may try again next session.

The bill cleared its first committee. It would also increase the timeframe to seek removal from 30 days to 45. I'm not sure what the laws are in all states, but I know that Wisconsin releases the names of the signers.

Nebraska: Kimball Mayor recall appears to collapse

City Council President Kim Bailman has resigned, as the recall effort against Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty appears to have collapsed. The issue appeared to be the hiring of a new city administrator. 

One of the petitioners was a daughter of City Council member Kim Bailman.

One petitioner who (asked to have her name removed, Ashley Sisk, is the wife of Carson Sisk, who was passed over in the appointment process. Prunty's pick, the city clerk Annette Brower, was voted down 3-1 by the city council over questions about her role in the review process.

Petitioners need 292 signatures. Prunty is on his second term.

Washington: Northshore School District board members facing recall efforts over pandemic response

King and Snohomish County's Northshore School District Board members Bob Swain, David Cogan, Jacqueline McGourty, Sandy Hayes and Amy Cast are facing a recall effort over complaints over their handling pandemic shutdown and not opening the schools earlier. McGourty, Hayes and Cast terms are all ending in November. 

Washington is a Malfeasance State, so they need to get a judge's approval before they can start circulating the petitions. 

California: Placerville Mayor facing recall efforts over commercial growth plans

Placerville Mayor Dennis Thomas is facing a recall effort over accusations of favoring commercial growth and not promoting mom and pop businesses. Petitioners need 1660 signatures.

The article is focused on a debate over removing a noose on the city's logo (the town was known as Hangtown during the Gold Rush).

Washington: Benton County Sheriff recall effort approaching May 3 deadline

With a May 3 deadline approaching, petitioners are still working on the the recall effort against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher.

The Deputy Sheriff's Guild membership was leading the way. An independent investigator found that Hatcher retaliated against a whistleblower and two witnesses and engaged in anti-union activity.

Hatcher also has run into personal issues with his wife filing a civil protection order claiming that he choked her during a fight over his extramarital affairs. The order meant he had to surrender his firearm. He also was previously charged with felony witness tampering and assault, though chargers were dismissed.

Hatcher is now claiming he lives in a cabin in Montana and is suing his wife to cover the expenses of the recall defense.  

The recall was approved by the Washington State Supreme Court. Previously a judge had green lit a recall effort, ruling that petitioners have met Washington's malfeasance standard on eight charges.

Petitioners would need about 14000 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: Parajo Valley School Board member facing recall effort

Parajo Valley School Board Trustee Georgia Acosta is facing a recall effort after missing 26 board meetings, trying to charge the district $16K for an outside legal counsel and her role in the firing of Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez (who was later reinstated). Petitioners need 25% of the approximately 8600 voters (so about 2150 signatures). The cost is estimated between $42,960-$77,328.

California: Newsom Recall Round-up -- Villaraigosa in the mentions; All you need is $4200 and a dream

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is once again being talked up for the recall. Perhaps he should beware the career lesson of Cruz Bustamante. 

All you need is about $4200 and a dream -- my comments in the Guardian.

More on the Democrats "worries"

Newsom's got his own petitions seeking voter info -- not to be confused with the counter petitions/signature removal ones that will be hearing plenty about soon.

Some more thoughts here from Spencer Mestel.

New Mexico: Otero County Commissioner Appeals Judge's ruling allowing recall to move forward

An appeal has been filed by Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin against a recall effort. Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, was arrested for rioting at the US Capitol on January 6 and a State Court Judge greenlit the recall effort.

 New Mexico is a malfeasance standard state and petitioners claim that Griffin used the county office building to raise money for the group and pay personal expenses, as well as filed for improper travel expenses and accepted money from a business association leader as an offset for the expenses.

Two fellow commissioners, Vickie Marquardt and Gerald Matherly, has said they will support the recall effort if he does not resign. The Attorney General of the state has also called for his resignation. 

In addition to his participation in the seditious riot, Griffin has been accused of calling for the murder of the Governors of Virginia and Michigan, and called for violence at President Joe Biden's inauguration. 

Petitioners would need about 1600 signatures in 90 days. 

Michigan: Former GOP Party Executive Director threatens recalls against Republicans who end-run around election bill veto

Former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jeff Timmer is threatening to lead a recall effort against State legislators who push to use a referendum as a way around the widely-expected veto of Republican-backed election bill that has been denounced by Democrats as a voter suppression effort. 

Under the law, Republicans can get a bit over 340,000 signatures in a petition, which would give them the right to go around the veto.

Timmer, a senior adviser to the Lincoln Project (one of the major efforts by the anti-Trump GOP members), said that he will push for the recalls against legislators. Michigan last had a recall against a state legislator in 2011, after which they changed the law to make it more difficult. 

Massachusetts: Fall River Mayor, recall loser/replacement race winner, facing upcoming federal trial on allegedly fleecing investors

Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II (D) is facing a federal trial over accusations that he stole over $230K from investors for a smartphone app. Correia lost a recall vote in yet won his seat in the five candidate replacement race.

He was also indicted on bribery and extortion charges over his dealings with marijuana vendors.

Correia still ran for reelection, losing to School Board Member Paul Coogan. Correia got only 7% of the vote, had previously taken a temporary absence from the job and quit his run for another term.

California: Second recall effort started against San Francisco District Attorney

A second recall effort has been launched against San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin in his recall fight. This recall (San Franciscans for Public Safety) is led by local Democrats Mary Jung (the former chair of the local Democratic Party) and Andrea Shorter. The earlier recall effort was led by a former Republican Mayoral candidate Richie Greenberg (though Greenberg said he was replaced as head of the effort. 

The recall is over complaints over lenient treatment of criminals. Recall efforts kicked into high gear after a convict who was arrested on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and violating probation was released without bail and then ran over two women while running a red light. 

Petitioners have until August 11 to get 51,325.  

Japan: New info on criminal complaint filed over alleged fraudulent signatures in failed Aichi Governor recall attempt

Further info about the crazy fraud involved in the recall of Aichi Governor Hidekai Omura.  Previously, a criminal complaint has been filed over the use of fraudulent signatures. Hundreds of thousands of signatures thrown out because they look to be forgeries (83% of 435,000) and 48% were not listed on voter roles. Petitioners needed 860,000 signatures. According to reports, an advertising company contractor hired people to copy names and addresses onto the petitions.

The recall effort is led by a Holocaust-denier and denier of the Nanking Massacre, Katsuya Takasu, a cosmetic surgeon (who for some reason is on an arts festival committee). The event was an arts festival which included, among other art, a statue of a girl representing Korean comfort women, who were forced into sexual slavery in WWII. Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who was the organizing committee's acting chairman, also promoted the recall drive. 

Colorado: Judge rules that Westminster Mayor and Councilmembers recall back on

In a reversal of fortune, a state judge has put the the recall effort against Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison and Councilmembers Anita Seitz, Kathryn Skulley and Jon Voelz back on, after a city clerk tossed out signatures due to petitioners unstapling the cover sheets of the petitions. The judge ruled that the stapling issue was unintentional. The recall is over water bills. Petitioners needed 25% of turnout, which is 5009 signatures for Atchison and 6,098 for the three council members. Skulley's signatures missed by 61; Atchison by 282; Voelz by 635 and Seitz by 757.

Ohio: Newton Falls City Council has meeting troubles as it schedules May 25 recall election

Bit of a crazy scheduling event here, as the Newton Falls City Council scheduled the recall of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) for May 25, 2021. Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected).

The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Kline is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort.  

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall.

Massachusetts: Fairhaven Selectman facing recall effort

Fairhaven Selectman Dan Freitas is facing a recall effort over the search for a new Town Administrator.  Freitas says the recall is an effort from former town employees. Freitas also said that the Board of Health Chair Peter De Terra and Bice Chair Mike Ristuccia will also be targeted.

Petitioners need 2500 signatures (20% of registered voters) in two weeks. The last election had only 19.2% turnout (2290 voters).

California: Hollister Mayor facing recall effort

Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez is facing a recall effort, which currently seems to be just a website and GoFundMe page. The issue cited is vague divisions, though Velazquez says the recall proponents are "anti-maskers" and are opposed to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

California: Proposals to change the recall flood the Senate, including limiting paying signature gatherers

A new bill, SB 660, proposed by Senator Ben Allen (D) which looks to ban paying signature gatherers has passed the Senate Elections Committee. The issue of paying signature gatherers by the signature is one that has always engendered criticism and controversy, though it goes to the beginning of direct democracy. Perhaps I'll have a chance to explore this a bit more in the future.

Allen is also proposing constitutional amendments which would allow the canceling of a recall election if the official resigns (a common provision elsewhere), would require the top financial contributors to be listed with the petition and move California from a one-day, two step process recall to a direct face-off. 

California: Town Council calls for Windsor Mayor to resign over Sex Assault allegations, though recall effort still continues

Windsor Town Council voted to 2-1 for Mayor Dominic Foppoli to quit. Foppoli has been accused of sexual assault by six different women, including a current councilwoman who recused herself. Eight of nine Sonoma County Mayors have called for Foppoli's resignation. Apparently, there was a pre-existing Recall Dominic Foppoli Facebook page, so that is now receiving attention.

Maine: Four Cumberland School Board members facing petitions

Petitions were taken out against four Cumberland School Board members, Peter Bingham, Tyler McGinley, Jennifer Stewart and Mike Williams, over their votes in favor of hybrid distance learning in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  

Petitioners would need 1505 signatures by May 7. Replacement would be appointed.

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- More complaints about Newman bill; more candidates, more rural dissatisfaction

More complaints about Senator Josh Newman's (D) bill allowing targets of a recall to see who signed the petition. As previously mentioned, this is the law in Wisconsin and I believe elsewhere. 

Former Congressman Doug Ose (R) is jumping into the race

Angelyne, a "billboard icon" in Los Angeles who ran in 2003 (and got a little over 2500 votes) is jumping into the race. Former porn star Mary Carey is already in there.

The LA Times' Mark Barabak on the rural dissatisfaction fueling the recall and attempts to break up California (and, apparently Oregon as well).

Nebraska: One of two petitioners to remove name from petitions against Kimball Mayor

One of the two petitioners looking to recall Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty said that she is taking her name off the petition, leaving it unclear whether the recall effort will continue. The issue appears to be the hiring of a new city administrator. The petitioner who is asking to have her name removed (Ashley Sisk) is the wife of Carson Sisk, who was passed over in the appointment process. Prunty's pick, the city clerk Annette Brower, was voted down 3-1 by the city council over questions about her role in the review process.

The other petitioner is a daughter of City Council member Kim Bailman.

Petitioners need 292 signatures. Prunty is on his second term.

Virginia: Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney facing recall efforts

Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano is facing a recall effort over complaints that over lenient treatment as part of a progressive agenda. A sex assault case seems to be one of the complaints, with a woman saying there has been three prosecutorial changes in her case (father charged with assaulting a daughter), as well as other complaints about domestic violence matters. 

Petitioners would need over 29,000 signatures. I'm not sure if this falls under Virginia's unique Recall Trial law or is a regular recall election (Virginia has both). The article notes that petitioners would need to meet a malfeasance standard, which would greatly increase the difficulty of getting on the ballot.

California: Newsom Round-up -- Newman signature reveal law advances, Mary Carey looking into running

Senator Josh Newman's bill to allow recall targets to see the names of petition signers cleared its first committee; the bill would also increase the timeframe to seek removal from 30 days to 45. I'm not sure what the laws are in all states, but I know that Wisconsin releases the names of the signers

Mary Carey, the (now-former) porn star who came in 10th in the 2003 recall is thinking of running again -- her slogan "Finally a politician you want to be screwed by."

Election Officials are leaving at a rapid clip -- which could spell trouble for the administration of the recall

Louisiana: Recall effort against House Speaker fails

A petition to recall Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (R) failed with no signatures handed in. Schexnayder was criticized by right wingers over not fighting the Governor's coronavirus restrictions designed to combat the COVID pandemic. 

Oregon: Promotion of West Linn recall effort leads to investigation of Hidden Springs Neighborhood Association President

West Linn Council President Jody Carson and Councilors John Kovash and Scott Burgess are facing recall threats, which has led to an investigation into whether Hidden Springs Neighborhood Association President Lynn Fox abused her position by promoting the recall. Carson and Kovash both previously faced recall threats that went nowhere in 2014. 

California: Petitions started in Chico School Board recall

Paperwork has been filed against Chico School Board President Eileen Robinson and members Kathleen Kaiser, Tom Lando and Caitlin Dalby over their votes in February to continue the distance learning programs in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Petitioners need 10,806 signatures for each one in 160 days.

Minnesota: Petitions filed against Six Red Wing City Council members over police chief firing

Petitions have been filed seeking the recall of six Red Wing City Council members, Dean Hove, Andy Klitzke, Evan Brown, Becky Norton, Erin Buss and Laurel Stinson. The recall effort follows the firing of the Police Chief (the vote was 6-1).

Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state, so petitioners will need to show a statutorily specific reason for the recall. There has been only one recall that I've seen in Minnesota since 2011, and it is likely there hasn't been another one since the state-wide adoption of a recall law in 1996. 

California: Tulare County reports 79% signature verification rate

Here

Idaho: State looking at bills to change election dates may have impact on recalls

A concern that moving local elections to even-numbered years will result in huge signature requirements for recalls. This article also notes a bill that seems to be focused on recalls, though I'm not sure what it does as of yet. Hopefully, we'll see more about it soon.

California: Recall Effort launched against Windsor Mayor over Sex Assault allegations

There is now talk of a recall against Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli, who has been accused of sexual assaulted by five different women. Eight of nine Sonoma County Mayors have called for Foppoli's resignation. Apparently, there was a pre-existing Recall Dominic Foppoli Facebook page, so that is now receiving attention.

Colorado: Loveland Councilmember facing petitions

Loveland City Council member Don Overcash is facing a recall effort over his revelation of not-yet- public information for a In-N-Out Burger drive-thru. Overcash is also allegedly hostile to the mayor and two other councilors. 

Overcash is running for mayor (so far unopposed). The leader petitioner is former city council member Troy Krenning. 

Petitioners need 1254 signatures in 90 days. 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- More and more on Jenner's run; Brad Parscale in the picture

More on the Caitlyn Jenner proposed run, including my reference to NY's great "all you need is a dollar and a dream" ad

Trump's former Campaign Manager Brad Parscale, who's tenure did not end well, is advising Jenner. Having an off-year election for campaign consultants to make bank is definitely a side benefit for any recall effort.

Jenner has also talked with a former top official with the Romney and Jeb Bush campaigns (Ryan Erwin), an RNC National Committeewoman (Harmeet Dhillon) and a long time GOP fundraiser (Caroline Wren). the Executive Director of the Republican Governors' Association is also being mentioned

Newsom is starting fundraising efforts

Alright, another one on how California is no longer the same state as in 2003

And a documentary on the 2003 recall

New Mexico: State Judge approves recall effort against Otero County Commissioner

A State Court Judge has greenlit the recall effort against Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin, who was arrested for rioting at the US Capitol on January 6. Griffin is the founder of the Cowboys for Trump. New Mexico is a malfeasance standard state and petitioners claim that Griffin used the county office building to raise money for the group and pay personal expenses, as well as filed for improper travel expenses and accepted money from a business association leader as an offset for the expenses.

Two fellow commissioners, Vickie Marquardt and Gerald Matherly, has said they will support the recall effort if he does not resign. The Attorney General of the state has also called for his resignation. 

In addition to his participation in the seditious riot, Griffin has been accused of calling for the murder of the Governors of Virginia and Michigan, and called for violence at President Joe Biden's inauguration. 

Petitioners would need about 1600 signatures in 90 days. 

Nebraska: Petitions taken out against Kimball Mayor

Petitions have been taken out against Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty. Not clear what the reason for the recall is from the story. Petitioners need 289 signatures. Prunty is on his second term.

California: More on the Shasta County Supervisors effort

More on the Shasta County recall fight, including the claim that the recall proponents have copied their logo from the QAnon logo. 

Supervisors Leonard Moty, Mary Rickert and Joe Chimenti seem to be facing threats over their support for restrictions to fight the Covid pandemic. Here's a vastly more detailed look at the fight, which notes that petitioners would need about 4000 valid signatures. 

Georgia: New Recall Effort launched against Governor

Another group is starting recall efforts against Governor Brian Kemp (R) for signing the highly controversial restrictive voters law. Petitioners would need about 1.1 million signatures. However, due to the fact that Georgia is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state and would need a showing of statutory cause to get on the ballot, petitioners would have a big hurdle to overcome. 

This is the second recall effort against Kemp as Governor. He also had one when he was Secretary of State. The first was over his refusal to mandate masks, and attempt to stop cities that did, during the coronavirus pandemic. As Secretary of State, Kemp faced a recall effort following the high profile election data breaches and a server wipe.

California: Petitioners claim 5000 signatures in recall effort against San Diego Council President over city vacation rental policy

 Petitioners claim to have collected 5000 signatures, a third of the way needed for a recall effort against San Diego City Council President Jennifer Campbell. The recall has started over what seems to be a vote on costal height policies and mainly short-term rentals in the city. Campbell has argued that there is simply no possibility of banning short term rentals, which some residents in her district want. Former City Councilwoman Barbara Bry supports the recall effort. Petitioners need either 13,353 or 14,421 signatures (I've now seen both numbers, I think it's the first) to get on the ballot. 

Nebraska: Countercharges made in Valparaiso Trustee recall effort

Some more details on the recall effort against Valparaiso Board of Trustees member Mike Blazek for what seems to be about the drainage project done on his property, allegedly by a village employee. Blazek has countercharged that the lead petitioner is the mother of the Valparaiso Library Director, and Blazek claims that the board has temporarily shut the library and the state is investigating inappropriate expenditures.

Petitioners need about 104 signatures (45% of turnout). 

Minnesota: Blue Earth City Council rejects recall effort on Malfeasance Standard grounds

The Blue Earth City Council rejected a recall petition against Councilman John Huisman by a 6-1 vote. An independent attorney noted that the city charter was in conflict with state law. Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state and the petition needs to hit a statutorily delineated reason to get on the ballot.

The recall effort claims that Huisman violated the First Amendment for signing a letter calling for a program to be removed from KBEW radio. 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Caitlyn Jenner mentioned as potential candidate

Former Decathlon Gold Medalist/reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner is now being discussed as a potential candidate. 

Some thoughts from the cavalcade of 135 candidates in 2003

Newsom betting on a successful pandemic fight/reopening

Ohio: Newton Falls City Council to schedule recall election

Newton Falls City Council is looking to set a date for the recall election of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D). The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Mayor Ken Kline (R) is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort. Petitions have 211 signatures (not certain from the article how much is needed. The number is 51% of the turnout). 

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall. 

Oregon: Senate Minority Leader facing petitions after showing up to a vote on firearm ban

Petitions have been filed against Oregon Senate Minority Leader Fred Girod (R) from right wingers after he and five other Republican Senators attended a Senate session with a vote to ban firearms in state buildings. The Republicans all objected to the proposal but their presences ensured the 20 member quorum needed to vote.

Petitioners need 8922 signatures by July 6. 

California: Two Birds with One Recall -- The big upside for Gavin Newsom and the GOP's Dylan Quote-off dilemma

I have an op-ed in the USA Today (thanks to the great editors there) examining the high risk/high reward nature of the Newsom recall. Expanding a little on it here:

So far, the Republicans (who, it should be noted are not all of the petitioners, but clearly the vast majority) seem to be viewing the recall as a "when you got nothing, you got nothing to lose" event. The party has been driven so low, that might as well roll on the dice on the recall.

However, there's another, more recent Bob Dylan quote that may be applicable, namely: "when you think that you lost everything, you find out you can always lose a little more."

One new factor of this recall is it is coming right before Newsom's reelection run. Walker's recall was a year and half into his term; Davis' was in the first year (and he was term-limited); Lynn Frazier in 1921 only had a two-year term, and it was half through. So what does this mean?

Quite possibly, if Newsom racks up a big victory (and recalls have many blowouts) what happens in 2022? Newsom will have already spent an enormous amount of money burning his name into the brains of all Californians. He is getting to road test his machine. Who is looking to challenge Newsom in this reelection run if the biggest names just got stomped on the recall? 

The impact is not just on the reelection race, but a poor top of the ticket could greatly impact races down ballot -- remember that in 2018, the Republicans did not even have a candidate in the final Senate race. 2018 was a disaster for the Republicans. As I note in the article, 2020 was a fairly good result in California, all things considered, enough to almost get the party back control of the House. Could the recall cost the four seats that the GOP recaptured in 2020 (though one seat is likely lost to reapportionment)? And is that enough to cost them control of the House? Weirder things have happened.

On more state-wide level, the 2003 recall may be looked at fondly by the Republicans, but it certainly didn't help them. Since Schwarzenegger's  2006 reelection run (and their victory in the Insurance Commissioner race against cautionary tale Cruz Bustamante), they have faded to irrelevance in the state. Will this help reverse it or are they just digging deeper? The importance of California is a story for another day (and hopefully another op-ed), but until they start reversing, the party -- both in the state and nationally -- may continue to be pushed further into the minority. 

California: Carlsbad Councilwoman facing recall effort

Carlsbad Councilwoman Cori Schumacher (D) is facing a recall effort led by Reform California founder Carl DeMaio (who has led numerous conservative recall efforts) over a whole kitchen sink of complaints, including behavior, political donations, a labor agreement and her position in favor of enforcement policies to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Schumacher has criticized Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall (R) who she accuses of promoting personal attacks.

Petitioners need about 3562 signatures by September 8 to get on the ballot. 

California: PAC supporting San Francisco District Attorney in a recall fight receives $100K donation from PAC that supported former SF DA (and current LA DA)

A Real Justice PAC that previously supported former San Francisco District Attorney (and current Los Angeles DA) George Gascon  has donated $100,000 to support current DA Chesa Boudin in his recall fight. The Real Justice PACT Supporting Gascon for LA County District Attorney 2020 gave the $100,000 to the San Franciscans Against the Recall of Chesa Boudin Sponsored by Real Justice PAC. Both Boudin and Gascon are recall targets this year, though due to the sheer number of signatures needed, Boudin seems much more likely to get on the ballot. 

Utah: State poll suggests overwhelming support for recall law

 A new poll by Desert News/Hinckley Institute suggests that Utah voters overwhelming support for a recall law -- 75% in favor, with 44% strongly so. 15% oppose such a law.

Utah actually voted down a recall law in 1976 in an extremely close result,  254,866-257,246. 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup

Former Senate President Pro Temp Don Perata is leading a signature removal effort against the Newsom recall

Fresno reports a 77% verification rate, which would be enough to get the recall on the ballot

Fracking issue comes to center stage before the recall

The plurality issue strikes again

Will the recall blow up the Republicans' face?

Vice President Kamala Harris jumps in to promise support for Newsom

Alaska: Blog suggests poor turnout among signers in Anchorage Assembly Chair recall

Must Read Alaska, a conservative blog that covers the political scene, suggests that the recall election of Anchorage Assembly Chair Felix Rivera so far has poor turnout for the people who signed the petitions, with only 700 of the 2700 signers having cast early or mail-in ballots. The vote is tomorrow, on the April 6th General Election. Rivera has filed a lawsuit to toss out the recall effort.

One of the articles suggest that the purchase of a hotel for a shelter served as an impetus for the recall, though previously stories seem to focus on the claim that Rivera didn't stop a meeting which, due to the size of the audience, violated the emergency order limiting crowds during the coronavirus pandemic (there may have been 17 people at the meeting, which had a limit of 15).

Canada: A look at the Alberta recall proposal

Here -- with a claim from St. Albert's NDP MLA Marie Renaud that the signature requirement is too high for the recall to be useful.

California: Petitions approved against San Francisco School Board

Petitions have been approved against San Francisco School Board President Gabriela Lopez, former Vice President Alison Collins and Faauuga Moliga.  The recall supporters cite both the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns and an extremely controversial decision to change the names of public schools for political reasons and using some odd history, including removing the name of Abraham Lincoln. Mayor London Breed has been particularly critical of the board, and the City Attorney Dennis Herrera has sued to compel reopening. 

Petitioners would need to get 51,325 signatures each by September 7. The rest of the board members are in a grace period and not eligible to face a recall.

California: Santa Monica-Malibu School District members facing recall effort

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board members Laurie Lieberman, Maria Leon-Vasquez, Jon Kean and Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein are facing recall efforts over a kitchen sink group of complaints about performance.  

California: Three West Sonoma County Union High School Board members facing recalls over consolidation vote

West Sonoma County Union High School District Board President Kellie Noe, Vice President Jeanne Ferandes and Trustee Laurie Fadave are facing petitions over a vote to consolidate two high schools. Petitioners need about 7200 signatures in 120 days. 

Colorado: Grand Junction looks at early mayoral recall and its tie to ranked choice voting

Interesting look at an early use of ranked choice voting in Grand Junction, leading to the 1911 election of Socialist Mayor Thomas Todd, who then survived a recall vote.

Washington: State Supreme Court upholds Seattle City Council member recall effort

The State Supreme Court has upheld a lower court judge ruling approving a recall effort against Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant (the first socialist elected to Seattle's council in 100 years). Two of the six charges were dismissed sat the lower level. Sawant would be the first councilmember to face a recall in Seattle's history (though two Mayors were kicked out).

The recall effort was over a kitchen sink of complaints, including revealing the mayor's home address, giving decision-making authority to Socialist Alternative (which has been a complaint against her before, though it was dismissed by the Ethics and Election Commission), promoting a ballot initiative, letting protesters in City Hall after hours and helping to create a criminal environment.

Petitioners would need over 10,700 signatures to get on the ballot. Washington is also a "malfeasance standard/judicial recall state", so a recall effort needed to get approval to get on the ballot.

Idaho: Strange actions in Boise's North End Neighborhood Association recall leads to lack of clarity about next steps

Odd goings-on in the Boise's North End Neighborhood Association, where the board appears to be refusing to accept a recall election and claims the signature requirement was not met.  

The NENA is the oldest of the 34 neighborhood associations and Acting President Sarah Foregger, Carlos Coto, Daniel Foregeer, Tory Spengler and Sitka Koloski were possibly kicked out in the recall. 87 percent voted to remove every member of the board with near a 670-70 vote. Turnout was considered high.  

The issue seems to be a battle between old members and a new unexpected crop of officials (who were only recently elected).

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Arnold Appears! SCOCA Blog looks at the unique roles of the LT. Gov and Secretary of State

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger warns not to take the recall lightly

The SCOCA Blog and the same two authors write in the Recorder on the Clown Car recall possibilities and what the Lt. Governor and Secretary of State can do to head it off

Politico looks at the other recalls in California

Another look at the possibility of a Sports Betting Initiative 

A look at Orrin Heatlie, one of the leaders of the recall effort

Tom Steyer says he has no interest in a recall run

California: SF School Board member removed from VP position over anti-Asian comments

San Francisco School Board member Alison Collins, one of the members facing a recall effort, is now suing the school district and basically everyone else after she was kicked out of the Vice President position and was the subject of a no confidence vote to remove her from committees.  Collins posted anti-Asian comments on Facebook in 2016, which she says the response is a first amendment violation.