Republicans in the state legislature are crying foul after Democratic lawmakers passed a bill to move the recall election date forward on Monday. Democrats say the change is in line with the spirit of the recall effort.
Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, who represented Sacramento, said there is no reason to change the date of the recall.
"Every child knows the word for changing the rules in the middle of the game. It’s cheating," said Kiley.
"The conclusion is inescapable: that Gavin Newsom is cheating in the recall and this Legislature is his willing accomplice," he added.
Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting from San Francisco said he does not understand why anyone would object to a faster election schedule. In fact, Ting said the Democrats’ bill gives those who wanted a recall what they petitioned for.
"This bill actually ensures that the election happens as quickly as possible, which my belief is that’s what the recall was about, trying to have this recall as soon as possible," Ting said.
Organizers of the recall effort against Newsom collected enough valid signatures, which were verified in April, to trigger a recall election. Critics have called the recall attempt "anti-worker," but Newsom's detractors say "he has done this to himself," according to NBC reporting.
Some political analysts believe an earlier election will benefit Newsom thanks to his current relatively strong approval ratings.
Election officials also worry about the legislation -- though not for the same reason as the Republicans. According to the LA Times, the new rules could increase the election’s cost far higher than the current estimate of $215 million.
No exact date has yet been set for the recall election, but the new rules allow the election to be held at least 30 days earlier than under the old ones. That could be as soon as September.
The paper reported that state election officials, “have urged Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who will choose the date of the election, not to schedule the contest before mid-September.” County clerks have said they will need at least until September 14 to be prepared come voting time.
The bill also gives $35 million to the secretary of state, according to KTLA. The news station reported that the approved legislation stipulates the money would be spent "to support statewide and county costs of the 2021 gubernatorial recall election," but fails to provide additional details.
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