Effort To Recall State Sen. Josh Newman Moves Forward

(AP) - Three counties say they've certified enough signatures to trigger a recall election that could remove a Southern California senator from office and end a Democratic supermajority in the California Legislature.

Counts released Friday showed that recall proponents have gathered more than the 63,000 signatures required to recall Democratic Sen. Josh Newman of Fullerton.

The recall effort is backed by the California Republican Party, anti-tax advocates and talk-radio hosts who are critical of Newman's vote this year to raise the gas tax. Democrats say many people were tricked into signing, believing they would trigger a referendum on the gas tax.

Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla has 10 days certify the signatures results, after which Gov. Jerry Brown must schedule an election within 60 to 80 days.