ABSTRACT

Conservative groups of various sorts were among the first to climb onto the recall bandwagon. The weak organizational structure of California’s political parties enhances the power of interest groups and the dependence of candidates on their money. Similarly, liberal groups lined up against the recall and, for the most part, in support of Cruz Bustamante as a replacement candidate should the recall succeed. Like environmentalists, gay and lesbian groups opposed the recall and supported Bustamante. Latino groups and their leaders found themselves in an even more complicated situation in the recall election. Unions—from the building trades to teachers, prison guards, and other public employee groups—have long supported Gray Davis. Business groups like the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Business Roundtable were outspoken on these issues and increasingly frustrated by the direction state government seemed to be taking.