ADVOCATING FOR THE INDUSTRY


THE PLAYERS Recall elections are comprised of


two questions on the ballot. First is “should the governor be recalled?” And if so, the next question given to voters is “who shall be the new governor?” For the recall to be successful, the


first question must receive 50% plus one of the total votes. And if the first question proves successful, the replacing governor need only win a plurality of the total vote. Tat is, a successful candidate need only receive more votes than any other candidate but does not need to receive an absolute majority of the votes cast. A total of 135 candidates filed for the


recall in 2003—including Republican and Democratic officeholders. Of the 46 candidates who have filed to run in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, none are current public officials nor are there any prominent Democrats. Twenty- four are Republicans, two are Green party, 10 are Independents, and one is a Libertarian. Te most recognizable candidates are Republican—conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, reality television personality Caitlyn Jenner, and businessman and perennial candidate John Cox.


THE ODDS A cobalt blue state, California


voters are overwhelming registered as Democrats. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, those likeliest to vote in state elections are: Democrats (47%), Republicans (26%), Independents (22%), and everyone else (e.g. Green party, Libertarians, etc.). In normal circumstances, there


would be no question that a sitting Democratic governor would beat a recall or win reelection. Te rub, of course, is that this election will take place during an irregular time—September of an odd year versus June or November of an even numbered year. Ironically, every registered voter


will receive a mail-in ballot based on legislation passed early in the pandemic


www.AGC-CA.org


and signed by the governor to encourage electoral participation by voters during the 2020 presidential election. And, to further complicate things for Newsom, his campaign was errant in its submission of campaign paperwork and as a result will not be identified as a democrat on the ballot! Polling leading up to the recall


election has indicated that it is a statistical dead heat on the question of recalling Newsom. While most regis- tered voters disapprove of the recall and consider it a waste of time and money, those voters who are the likeliest to vote in September are keeping this election within the possibility of a successful recall. Surveys indicate that 80% of registered Republican voters will partic- ipate in the recall election compared to 55% of registered Democrats. Despite the Governor’s initial


positive public opinion ratings for his handling of the pandemic, much has


happened since then. Te rise of the highly contagious coronavirus Delta variant has caused many counties to reinstate social distancing require- ments. Te state’s poor oversight of the Employment Development Department resulted in excessive delays for unemployment benefits for the hardest hit by the pandemic. And cases of massive fraud of these same benefits could total $30 billion dollars. Add to this the state’s longstanding


issues of homelessness and severe wildfire seasons and you have a perfect political storm. Come September, voters may be displeased enough to not participate in the election or vote to oust Newsom. Or, voters will allow Newsom to complete his term. As previously mentioned, all regis-


tered voters will receive their ballot via mail. Remind your friends, family, and co-workers to be on the lookout for their ballot and to make sure to vote! 


NOW IN SAN LEANDRO


Providing The Bay Area Construction Industry with Our Time-Tested Service & Inventory


At Trench Shoring Company, we’ve never rested on our past successes, but always focused on the continuous improvement we can provide our customers.


Our newest San Leandro location is fully equipped with an extensive inventory of shoring equipment, including trench plates (steel & composite), shields, hydraulic shoring, slide rail and safety equipment. Additionally, our heavy and utility vehicles, crane, pickup and flatbed trucks are ready to deliver same- day service to Bay Area projects. Our San Leandro staff is trained and committed to handling our customers’ toughest jobs!


San Leandro 510-900-0595


TrenchShoring.com Associated General Contractors of California 7


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