No Matter Who Wins, Californians Can Expect More Turmoil

But the parade of women accusing Schwarzenegger of misconduct will make it tougher for him to reach that audience. The net effect of these allegations may be to make this most unconventional politician into a more conventional Republican in his political appeal.

Though some polls over the weekend showed slipping support for the recall, the dissatisfaction with Davis may still give the governorship to Schwarzenegger. Yet if Schwarzenegger wins, he will be as bruised and battered as any newly elected office-holder in recent memory.

His final bus tour left little doubt that Schwarzenegger has built an enthusiastic base. But he would also arrive in office facing hostility from almost as many voters as Davis.

The safest prediction may be this: Whoever survives Tuesday, Californians can expect more broken glass and twisted metal ahead.

Ronald Brownstein's column appears every Monday. See current and past Brownstein columns on The Times' Web site at www.latimes.com/brownstein.