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Just what I was thinking ..

[Democracts might] try to preempt a Schwarzenegger candidacy and perhaps catch both him and Riordan napping. Here's how: By Wednesday, July 23, Secretary of State Kevin Shelley might well have all the verified counts he needs from the counties to certify the recall as qualified for the ballot. The moment he does so, the clock begins ticking on the election, which must be held between 60 and 80 days from that date. Suppose Shelley certifies it on July 24, and Lt. Gov. Bustamante then immediately sets the election for 61 days later, on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The filing period for candidates, set by law, closes 59 days before the election. That means candidates would have just two days to decide whether to put their names on the ballot and process the paperwork to do so ..

California Insider has the scoop -- again.