Reply #15: I wouldnt be so cynical

[kalashnikov]

about arnies election. 70% of california hated Davis (for better or worse) and desperately wanted someone to replace him; unfortunately the two serious candidates bustamante and Mcclintock were too far out on the political spectrum to appeal to the centrist voters. Thus they voted for the only percieved centrist: Arnie. He was not seen as a radical Repub (Mcclintock) or a far left Dem (Bustam.) in the pocket of Indian tribes and the Latino vote. The voters put ino ffice someone, who because he was so silent on the issues, allowed them to apply whatever label they wanted to him. If there was another well known centrist in the campaign I believe they would have beaten Arnie.
People wanted Davis' moderate positions without Davis.