Amid the frenzy of California's gubernatorial recall drive, one thing appears certain: Gov. Gray Davis is sinking deeper into trouble as prominent Democrats abandon him and Republicans rally around the star power of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In twin blows to Davis on Thursday, the state Supreme Court rejected lawsuits that could have delayed the Oct. 7 vote and Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi broke with party unity to announce they would run.
The pressure even started mounting on Davis in Washington, with party sources saying House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California had reversed herself and concluded the party needs a replacement candidate.
In contrast, the prospects brightened for Schwarzenegger, one day after his surprise announcement on the Jay Leno show that he would seek to replace Davis.
recall mania