California recall price tag could hit $300 million. Some say it was a waste of money

[TomCADem]

Source: LA Times

The recall election is over, but the vote counting continues — as does debate over whether it was all worth it.

Gov. Gavin Newsom survived the recall attempt by a big margin, and that has led some to question whether the system works and if changes are needed.

On Wednesday, two state legislators said that the failed effort to remove Newsom was too costly and needlessly confusing. They called for further review.

Times columnist Steve Lopez was more blunt, asking: "Was this the most frivolous waste of time in California election history?"

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/california-recall-price-tag-could-hit-dollar300-million-some-say-it-was-a-waste-of-money/ar-AAOvYQP?li=BBnb7Kz

[mopinko]

1. some say? i want to know who doesnt. they need a rubber room.

[Bev54]

4. My immediate first reaction as well

[Hortensis]

9. Me! This affirmation of Gov. Newsome wiped out a huge RW theme

that CA'd lost faith in Democrats and their failures and was turning to the Republicans. California's hugely influential. Even a narrow loss to us would have worked for them.

We're battling a RW authoritarian takeover, an electoral coup they intend to win. If we hadn't gotten control of the house in 2018, it likely would have all been over already.

So with the 2022 midterms coming up, it's possible that $300M could possibly be among the best money we've ever spent. "We" as in Democrats only, of course; not Republicans.

But for sure, we got a lot of invaluable bang for it.

[mopinko]

11. ok, that's a point.

[Hortensis]

12. :) I'm thinking a rubber room could become a downright comforting

place to shelter before this is finished playing out. Padded, no windows, beautifully silent. No politics. Without it, next fall may be when I finally break down and ask our doctor for some kind of tranquilizer. But itm this really does help.

[mopinko]

13. oh i hear ya.

i'm not sure i ever want to come out.

[ZonkerHarris]

16. don't hide. Then Republicans take over our healthcare system and your rubber room will privatized

[Hortensis]

18. Genuine danger. But I'll vote if my husband has to guide my

doped-up signature on the mail-in ballot.

[lagomorph777]

23. Yeah, that's a galling headline.

[LakeArenal]

2. Yes yes it was.

As well as the audits they want tax payers to fund.

[ffr]

3. Some say? Can I throw my shoe at the person who wrote that headline?

$300 million down the drain could have done a lot of other things to better the state.

[LiberalLovinLug]

22. Yes...don't you know? The MSM always like an underdog. so...

A few here and there thought it was a waste, but most thought it was perfectly affordable and worth the money.

Oh, and Newsom barely survived it.

And it was a great idea because it forced Newsom to be more accountable to what the people want. Like solving homelessness....because we all know that Republicans are soooooooo concerned about the needs of the homeless.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. They implemented the good government vision of 1911

Time for some changes. It sure wasn't worth it to try to shorten his term by 1 year. I don't know what's with the dozens of replacement candidates. Seems to me 50% of the recall petition should have been from independents and Democrats, that would have indicated early on there was a real issue, or there wasn't.

Instigators should pay for the recall if it was frivolous, say less than 45% of the total vote. An actual recall would have been a lot closer. There was no issue here. Protecting public health with shutdowns and mask mandates are prudent functions of government.

[kimbutgar]

6. They should change the law saying those who initiated the recall have to pay the cost

Why should we taxpayers be on the line for a partisan bs recall?

That 300 million could have been used for education, housing, fire management and infrastructure. Just because some American Taliban operatives wanted to derail Newsom’s future political career because they see him as a threat in the future ambitions.

[Javaman]

7. I suggest a new rule for recalls.

the party calling for the recall, must pay for the recall if they lose. if they win, then the state pays.

these ridiculous recalls, especially California's recall law, makes it way to easy for recalls to be done.

I think deep down the right wing knew they were going to lose but still chose to go ahead and try for the sake of tying up things in the California government.

if they had to pay for the recall if they lost, then they would have to reassess, prior to filing for a recall, if they really had a honest chance. thus preventing frivolous recalls.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

8. Make the people who want a reall election pay the cost up front.

Right now, the only ones who end up paying for their folly are the taxpayers. How much good could have been done with $300 million?

[ZonkerHarris]

17. We could have made another Avengers movie. That's how we spend money here in SoCal.

[Marthe48]

10. R's fiscally irresponsible

Like all of their other hypocritical bs to get in office, so they can grift the hell out of the taxpayers. They never met a waste of money they didn't embrace.

[louis-t]

14. Some say? SOME SAY??

[Turbineguy]

15. Newsom should send the RNC a nice

fat bill.

[DarthDem]

19. Some - LOL

If "some" means "everyone engaging in honest analysis over the age of 6," then I agree.

[orwell]

20. Some say...

...that TFG is a serial child molester that drinks the blood of fresh dead corpses.

[sakabatou]

21. Now make the GOP pay the bill.