Quotes of the Day

Now that Gray Davis has fallen, should governors in the 17 other states that have a recall provision be worried? Not just yet. In most, instituting a recall is more difficult — sometimes much more — than in California. In Minnesota, for instance, an official can only be recalled after the state Supreme Court determines grounds based on serious malfeasance, nonfeasance, or if the officeholder is convicted of a major offense. Eleven other states have fewer constraints on the justification for recall, but most require the governor’s opponents to present a petition signed by at least 25 percent of voters in the last election.

That comforts Arizona governor Janet Neapolitano. ”Governors have to make very tough decisions and you can’t be looking over your shoulder to make sure that some millionaire who didn’t even run in the last election is out to get you.” In the case of California, the people who were out to get Davis only needed the signatures of 12 percent of the voters in the previous election.

• Aatish Taseer
• Don't look for a repeat of California elsewhere. Other state recall procedures are much more difficult