Bustamante is a lt. gov with little to no real power. He has done nothing much as a lt. gov except angle for a shot at the governorship. The real problem is both the Dems and Repubs have made backroom deals to shape election districts to heavily favor one part or another (the Repubs bowing to reality accepted a Dem majority, but were part and parcel of creating strong Repub enclaves, a la Orange County and my district up here in the Sierras. So the legislature has very little incentive to negotiate, compromise, or work together. Once a candidate is anointed by the state party machinery for a particular district they hold sway over, they're a shoo in, I forget the exact incumbency retention rate, but I believe it is upwards of 80%. Along with mandated spending, special interests, and the usual spineless politicians, well you have the recipe for problems . . . welcome to California!

Actually, I think the recall will be good for California it gave third party candidates a chance to influence the discussion of the issues and brought several problems to the fore front such as special interests controlling both parties. I for one (a registered democrat, voted for the recall and for Peter Camejo, Green Party). On principle the last few years I have voted non-incumbent and/or third party. I'm sick of these two exclusive clubs dictating to me who I can vote for and what issues are important.