For the better part of a century, Americans have gotten much of their entertainment from California. No surprise, then, that the drive to recall and replace Gov. Gray Davis is shaping up as the latest in reality programming. With movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hustler publisher Larry Flynt, child sitcom actor Gary Coleman and political pundit Arianna Huffington among those eying a run, the race is guaranteed to be a hit.

Less certain is whether the process will provide a fair measure of the will of California's voters. Despite the claim by recall backers that their efforts reflect populist democracy in action, the result could be anything but. Since no primary elections and runoff will determine who would replace Davis if a majority of voters want him out, the next governor could be elected with a tiny fraction of the vote. That means if mainstream voters are split among several candidates, a fringe player could be elected simply by appealing to one small faction.

The issues go well beyond California, where Davis' support has plummeted over his poor handling of the state's $38 billion budget deficit and an energy crisis in 2001. With its massive population and an economy that would rank fifth in the world if it were an independent nation, California casts a long shadow over the rest of the USA. Three of the four previous governors ran for president, and one, Ronald Reagan, was elected. When not running for president, California governors hold considerable sway over those who do, including President Bush and the Democrat who will compete for the state's rich electoral lode in 2004.

This race has particular saliency for the 17 other states that have recall provisions. In the past, moneyed interests and wealthy individuals have gotten pet issues passed by paying to put them before voters as ballot initiatives. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has done just that with the recall vote. The car-alarm magnate personally underwrote the cost of the recall signature petition and considered joining the race to succeed Davis before deciding not to Thursday. This infusion of money undercuts the positives of giving citizens a direct say in their government.

Of course, the recall race has some positives. Its celebrity-studded nature means it will garner considerable attention. That, in turn, may remind people of their duty as citizens to vote.

But come Oct. 8, the day after they are slated to go to the polls, Californians may be reminded of the old adage: Be careful what you wish for.