To the Point

Arnold-Democrat Split Adds Spark to California Recall

If Governor Gray Davis is recalled, almost 400 Californians have filed to replace him. Only about 15 have turned in the required 65 valid signatures and $3500, but there will be more to come. In terms of name recognition, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger will stand above all the others. Last night, after the millionaire action hero announced his candidacy for Governor of California on Jay Leno-s Tonight Show, taking even his own aides and Republican allies by surprise. Democrats broke ranks, complicating Davis- effort to keep his job. First out of the box were Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. We thread our way through the chaos of California-s next gubernatorial election with reporters, a Republican political strategist, and the chair of the California Democratic Party. Making News: Jordanian Embassy Bombed in Baghdad In Baghdad today, a car bomb killed eight people and injured at least 30 others at the Embassy of Jordan. It is unclear whether the strike directed against US soft targets or Jordan, which has irritated Iraqis by giving asylum to Saddam Hussein-s daughters. Cameron Barr, who reports from Baghdad for the Christian Science Monitor, has more. Reporter's Notebook: Kobe Bryant and the Rape Shield Laws In Eagle, Colorado yesterday there was a media circus as LA Laker basketball star Kobe Bryant heard himself charged with sexual assault. The excessive coverage of a celebrity sex case raises important questions. We hear from a reporter who concludes that efforts to reform America-s rape laws have -created a system that is bad for everyone,- and an attorney who's written about athletes and crimes against women.