Quick Hits: Volume CCLXI

 - I can't say I'm surprised that California Gov. Gavin Newsom survived the effort to recall him because....well.....it's California. 

Cali native Ed Morrissey (who wisely fled the state two decades ago) via Hot Air: 

Newsom didn’t survive because he suddenly became a lot more popular. He survived because the alternative became a strong conservative in Larry Elder, who far outstripped the other eleventy-seven candidates on the second question in the recall ballot. Newsom won’t come out and say this for obvious reasons, but the bad polling in this recall up until the end has made it clear that California voters aren’t impressed with his leadership.

You mean the Golden State's residents are growing weary of draconian COVID measures, rampant crime, serial homelessness and an unsustainable cost of living, yet stuck with the status quo? I guess former NYC Mayor Ed Koch's declaration still rings true: The people have spoken.....and they will be punished. 

- I had a sense that when Jennifer Carnahan resigned as Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota that we hadn't heard the last from her. 

Since resigning Aug. 19, Carhanan said she has been focused on spending time with her husband, U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn (whom she believes will be dead in two years - ed.), decompressing and doing “a lot of soul-searching” about her opportunities. She said that could mean another run for party chair, or for governor or another public office, but she would not get specific.

When she was reelected as Chair of the party earlier this year, Carnahan won with 67% of the vote. If she were to run again, many of those same state delegates who overwhelmingly elected her remain. So is it possible she could get her old job back or are enough delegates disaffected by details which have emerged about her leadership? 

As far as any run for "governor or another public office?" To be charitable, that's an absolute non-starter. 

- Speaking of toxic political figures.......

The Minnesota House DFL caucus voted Tuesday night to expel embattled state Rep. John Thompson from its ranks amid past domestic violence accusations and questions about his residency.

The move isolates Thompson and leaves him without access to DFL legislative staff and resources. House leaders also reiterated calls for Thompson to resign from the Legislature.

"Rep. Thompson's actions, credible reports of abuse and misconduct, and his failure to take responsibility remain unacceptable for a member of the Minnesota House," House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said in a joint statement.

Given Thompson represents a heavily Democrat district (which won't change dramatically even after next year's redistricting), the DFL primary is essentially the general election. My question is what if Thompson remains defiant by seeking (and ultimately winning) reelection? What recourse does leadership have then? 

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