Wisconsin voters decided two weeks ago not to recall their Republican governor and replace him with a Democratic challenger.
Such a recall couldn’t happen here, or, at least, any recall in Washington state would be far different.
First, a recall petition in Washington can’t be based on a mere political disagreement. It must be based on misfeasance or malfeasance in office. That means that no one can seek signatures on a recall petition without first getting a court to find probable cause that the elected official has violated the law or violated his or her oath of office. A judge found probable cause to allow a recall petition against the mayor of Spokane a few years ago. There was no probable cause to recall Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough last year.
Second, any recall election would be a simple yes-no vote on retaining the elected official. There would be no opposing candidate. A vote to recall an elected official would simply make the position vacant. If the governor’s office would become vacant, the lieutenant governor would take over pending another special election. If a state legislator were recalled, the position would be vacant until filled by appointment.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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