Faced with a chance of losing the California governorship, Democrats across the country are mostly shrugging off the danger and hoping Gray Davis can still prevail. But even a win by Arnold Schwarzenegger won't fundamentally change the course of state or national politics, they insist.
California is so Democratic in its leanings, the recall election is so unusual and Schwarzenegger is so unlike other candidates that the state and its 55 electoral votes should remain safely in the party's column in November 2004, party strategists say -- and many of their Republican counterparts agree.
Moreover, strategists for both major parties say the political profile that makes Schwarzenegger well suited to California -- fiscal conservatism and a permissive stance on social issues -- would not likely travel well beyond state borders, limiting the appeal of his hybrid Republicanism.
"Schwarzenegger is a total California phenomenon," said Stephen Moore, a conservative activist in Washington and supporter of the actor's candidacy.
"In fact, Arnold Schwarzenegger could not be elected governor of any state but California. He would never make it through a Republican primary."
Democrats continued to express faith Wednesday in Gov. Davis' political resilience and ability to keep his job, despite opinion polls -- including a new Los Angeles Times survey -- that show him slipping and Schwarzenegger gaining strength.
"I don't trust the polls," said Kori Bernards, communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington.
Retired Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark, the newest entrant in the Democratic presidential field, on Wednesday became the latest White House hopeful to stump alongside Davis. At a Hollywood rally, Clark urged Californians to reject the recall and retain Davis.
"I'm here to support the effort of Californians to retain the highest standards of democracy in this state," Clark said.
If Davis is ousted Tuesday and a Republican elected to replace him, the four most-populous states in the country -- California, Texas, New York and Florida -- would have Republican governors heading into the 2004 campaign. That would be a symbolic blow for Democrats, but, assorted party strategists insist, no reason for panic.
