Lots of readers ask us why we don't endorse Cruz Bustamante for Governor of California. We oppose the recall--and Prop 54--but are not taking a position on who should be elected if the recall passes. LA Weekly has this less than flattering profile of Bustamante, which just adds to our unease about him. Just vote "no" on recall. If enough people vote "no" and the recall is defeated, it's a moot issue. [edited for clarity]

Who is Cruz Bustamante, this generally conservative, pro-business Democrat -- ” the most prominent California backer of conservative Democratic presidential candidate Joe Lieberman, longtime chairman of the anti-liberal Democratic Leadership Council -- ” who, without credentials, is running as a reinvented left-liberal in this recall election? And would Bustamante, who has read his only two policy speeches of this campaign word for word, even exist politically without his controversial political consultant and lobbying string puller, Richie Ross?

....Since the lieutenant governor has little power and few duties, it is unclear to many Capitol observers what Bustamante has been doing for much of the past five years. Friends say that he keeps busy. “He has lots of meetings,” says one. “He works at staying visible. ....

There's lots more.