Matt Ortega

California voters recalled Democratic Governor Gray Davis from office and installed action-film star, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his stead. Gov. Davis becomes only the second governor to be removed from office by voters. The first was South Dakota Governor Lynn Frazier in 1921. Davis was re-elected less than 12 months ago.

Voters were asked to vote in favor or opposition to the recall and select a candidate to replace Governor Davis. Davis’ name was not among those listed. Two propositions were also on the ballot and both went down in defeat, 64 percent to 36 percent.

The recall election reached circus-like atmosphere with the exceedingly long list of candidates. The involvement of foreign-born actor Schwarzenegger certainly raised the level of media intensity, but the confusing rules and unusual nature of the recall process and involvement of the courts all added to the scrutiny. The race included a number of recognizable names, including commentator Arianna Huffington (I), adult magazine publisher Larry Flynt (I), adult film star Mary Carey (I), 2002 Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon (R), State Senator Tom McClintock (R), actor Gary Coleman (I), financial adviser Peter Camejo (G) and businessman and Olympics adviser Peter Ueberroth (R) among the 121 names. Gov. Davis publicly supported Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante with the now infamous line: “No on Recall, Yes on Bustamante.”

With the recall election over, relive the hilarity that was the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election here.