THE STRANGEST SEASON in California’s long, strange political trip has begun with a declaration of candidacy for a governorship that isn’t vacant, a withdrawal from a Senate campaign that hasn’t really begun, and a rumor mill spinning out of control. The declaration of candidacy came from Congressman Darrell Issa, who has injected cash and leadership into the campaign to place a recall election before the voters in early fall. The target is Governor Gray Davis, whose approval ratings make Nixon’s in August of 1974 look pretty good. Issa’s commitment has energized the effort and there is little doubt now that Davis will be fighting for his political life come September. Orange County’s powerful Lincoln Club stepped up with a $100,000 in recall cash last Friday and pledged to lay out another $150,000 soon. The Club doesn’t waste money on symbolism. The recall will qualify, and Davis will face a straight up-or-down vote. If 50 percent (plus 1) of the voters say throw Governor Clouseau out, he will be gone, and eyes turn to the second question on the ballot–who should replace him?