Perenchio on the move again

Media mogul Jerry Perenchio, who has made a few appearances on L.A. Observed, has been the largest individual campaign contributor to Gray Davis in recent years, despite being a Republican. Now he has joined Schwarzenegger's campaign, and this Sacramento Bee story has the background.

"From the governor's point of view, it's the rats deserting the ship," said Bruce Cain, director of the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jack Pitney of Claremont McKenna College adds another bit of perspective: Perenchio "likes to play the side he thinks is going to win."

The Bee (and others) also have the Saturday news that Bill Simon is dropping out of the recall race. He was under tremendous pressure from Republicans to clear a path for Schwarzenegger. Weintraub suspects he'll get an appointment from Gov. Arnold.

Mark Kleiman quips that Simon's drop is bad for environmentalists: "His entire campaign consisted of recycled materials..."

Updated 4:35 p.m.