THE RECALL defies both tradition and traditional math. Recent history shows that Republicans can’t win statewide races in California. But thanks to recall, they have a shot on October 7. Every poll shows the GOP with the most support on the second half of the recall, yet the front-runner is a Democrat, Cruz Bustamante. That’s because the Republican majority-plurality is divided among three candidates and a fourth fellow who dropped out over the weekend.

And the man who may hold the key to the election? For now, it’s the candidate in third place: state senator Tom McClintock, the recall’s conservative alternative.