Terminator election battle likely to be reinstated

California judges are expected today to reinstate the October 7 date for the state’s recall election.

An 11 judge panel sitting in San Francisco was scheduled to hear arguments on whether to uphold a ruling by a smaller panel last week that the election must be postponed until six counties still using punch card ballots can upgrade to more reliable voting machines.

The judges chosen for the new panel are said to be more conservative than the three who made the original ruling.

Observers say the new panel will likely order the election to proceed as planned.

The best known Republican in the race, Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger, was preparing to step into the spotlight for his first debate of the campaign on Wednesday.

The actor yesterday outlined several proposals to cut air pollution in California by 50% by 2011.

Following the speech, Schwarzenegger criticised state Governor Gray Davis’ environmental record.

“Davis has just started talking about the environment the last few days,” Schwarzenegger said. But he had to backtrack when reminded of recent green legislation signed by the governor.

Davis enters the week buoyed by a new poll showing he is gaining momentum. Just 53% of likely voters want him out, down from 58% last month.

The same poll also showed Schwarzenegger virtually tied with the state’s Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, the only Democrat in the race among candidates vying to replace Davis if he is recalled.