The recall circus is back: Schwarzenegger’s 2003 win and the fight to oust Gavin Newsom

Californians have voted to purge their governor only once. The campaign was driven by showbiz carnival and partisan fury as much as it was by democratic ideals

When California granted its voters the ability to recall a sitting governor, back in 1911, it meant to offer a stern reminder to over-entitled elected officials that they serve the people, not the other way around.

The reality, though, has been a lot less edifying.