Recall!: California's Political Earthquake

by Terry Christensen and Larry N. Gerston

Book Overview

In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in the world - is given to dramatic swings. Its legislative system is often defined by gridlock on matters large and small. The use of the initiative, one of the tools of "direct democracy", has become commonplace. Over the years, California has had more than its share of political turmoil. But for pure melodrama, nothing matches the 2003 campaign to recall the state's sitting governor, Gray Davis. Recall! relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the political history of the Golden State. The authors are recognized experts on California politics and regular local television political analysts. They provide fascinating coverage of the events leading up to Davis's replacement by bodybuilder-turned actor-turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger; describe the large and colorful cast of characters involved in the special election; and demonstrate how California's one-of-a-kind mix of political, economic, and social circumstances made it all possible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076561457X
• ISBN13: 9780765614575
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 187 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Unmatched in its acutely keen and balanced perspective

Also available in a hardcover edition (0765614561, $45.95), Recall!: California's Political Earthquake by San Jose State University political science professors Larry N. Gerston and Terry Christensen is the true story of the 2003 election to recall California's sitting governor, Gray Davis. Detailing in precise economic, political, and sociological terms the events that led up to the vote and the election of bodybuilder turned actor turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Recall! is a superb addition to modern American history shelves, and unmatched in its acutely keen and balanced perspective of recent events.