Issa's Recall Effort Is No Surprise in D.C.

The GOP congressman leading the charge to oust Gov. Davis is well known for ambition and for aspirations to a statewide office.

Some in his party, tired of the Democrats' long reign in California, see Issa as a deep-pocketed savior. According to Issa, Rep. Wally Herger (R-Marysville) — who has signed the recall petition himself — recently quipped: "I don't know if I would put my million there, but I'm proud of you for putting your million there." Other colleagues rib him that taking on Davis is costing the equivalent of one Learjet.

But some believe Issa has put his personal interests before the party's. A wounded Democrat in office in 2006 could serve the GOP better than a Republican incumbent forced to raise taxes, cut services or both to offset a $38-billion shortfall.

The White House has declined to embrace the recall effort, its silence seeming to signal ambivalence. At a recent California fund-raiser, President Bush acknowledged Issa as a distinguished guest but made no mention of the quest for which he is currently best known.

"The downside is the recall is a distraction from the president's reelection," said Don Sipple, a Republican media strategist. "The upside is, it could signal the resurgence of the Republican Party in California, and that would be a good thing for the president."

In California's congressional delegation, emotions are tense to say the least. All 33 House Democrats recently signed a letter denouncing the drive.

According to Issa, Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel) walked right up to Issa and said, "It's wrong and you shouldn't be doing it." When Issa declined an invitation to a televised debate on the matter with Sherman Oaks Democrat Brad Sherman on a weekly Washington shout-fest, Sherman retorted: "I would have said he chickened out, but that would be unfair to poultry."