Times (and others) urge No on Recall

The lead L.A. Times editorial today recommends a no vote on the recall -- no surprise there -- and says no as well on all the wannabe governors. Schwarzenegger is called thin with a tendency to shade the truth, Bustamante "a disappointing and unimpressive candidate," McClintock "intolerant" and "unsuitable."

"If state voters are to throw out a governor less than one year into his term, the replacement should be demonstrably superior. This field of contenders offers no such person."

The Sacramento Bee and San Jose Mercury also came out Sunday against the recall, while the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Long Beach Press-Telegram came out for. The P-T also endorsed Schwareznegger. California Insider has the endorsement roundup, and Rough and Tumble has tons o' Sunday recall links.

Meanwhile, a CNN/USA Today poll by Gallup has the recall pulling way ahead, 63%-35% among probable voters, with Schwarzenegger comfortably in front of Bustamante 40%-25%. If those numbers hold up, at least the new governor will get a few more votes than the ousted governor, which would dilute some of the legitimacy questions. The poll was taken after the Wednesday debate and has a 4-point margin of error.