It was nearly five years ago that Governor Schwarzenegger was elected— the result of a recall effort against his former Governor Gray Davis.  Now leaders in the state prison guards’ union—the California Correctional Peace Officers Association--- say they’re starting the process to recall Schwarzenegger.  Union spokesman Lance Corcoran points to the budget impasse and the 15-billion dollar deficit. 

 “He’s shown a profound lack of leadership.”
Jack Pitney is a Government Professor at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California.  He says a recall could be a real distraction.

 “The guards have the capability to mount a very serious effort which in turn means the Governor will have to make a very strong defensive effort precisely at the time when he’s being tied down in budget negotiations…”

Schwarzenegger responded to the news of the recall effort-- saying he is not intimidated by the union’s tactic amidst their efforts to obtain a new contract with the state.