As I've mentioned here, I think the recall of California governor Gray Davis is an enormous waste of time and money, as well as being a grand way to get someone into office who's even less effective and has even less of a mandate. I don't think much of Davis but I can't imagine what anyone expects his successor to accomplish, especially if that successor is a Republican with 18% of the vote.
But it may not go that way. There's an interpretation of the law that, if it were to prevail, would allow Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamente to merely declare that he is next in line if Davis is ousted, and that no election for his replacement need occur. This article explains the situation.
I have no idea of the legality but even the possibility adds another layer of uncertainty and expensive court challenges to the process. And it just about guarantees that unless Davis beats back the recall, half the state will be screaming that the new governor is not entitled to the office. That will sure improve things.