INDEPENDENCE, Calif. (DPI) - Here in the desert scrub and rocky foothills of eastern California, far from the reach of the victorious Republican forces, defeated supporters of recalled Gov. Gray Davis are furtively encamped. Amidst the tents and campfires, Democratic leaders are reportedly already making plans to recapture the governor's office with the aid of Alaric, fifth-century King of the Visigoths. "It is vile treachery!" Alaric said from between firmly clenched teeth as he shattered yet another Joshua tree with his broadsword. "The skies of LA shall reek with the stench of the entrails of the vile worms who turned from Davis the Bland, their true overlord by right of conquest."

Democratic rank and file, polled while sharpening nasty-looking iron spears, were divided on what to make of the election results. Opinions were split over whether it portends a real decline in the Democrats' long-standing stranglehold on state politics or is merely a reflection of one man's unpopularity. Alaric strongly stated that a lack of discipline among second-tier Democratic leaders led to the defection of the huge numbers of voters from the party line. "Treachery among the chieflets -- I have seen it before," Alaric said. "The bloodthirsty spears must fear their leaders, who in turn must fear their overlord." Glowering threateningly, he added, "We shall see that a proper fear burns in the hearts of these underlings."

Alaric dismissed concerns that Davis' recall would work to the advantage of President Bush's re-election efforts. "Bush the Babbler would be even a greater fool than he seems if his feeble heart dreams that the hordes of the Golden State shall be his," Alaric said. "Before the next battle is fought, discipline will be restored and the fell Democratic horde shall again bathe in the blood of Republican dogs." He emphasized his point by pinning a failed precinct leader to the ground with his spear.

"Alaric rocks!" screamed Aaron Giles, a member of the so-called "Visigoth Horde" of Alaric fans, while fire-curing his pike. "We're gonna kick some Republican ass!"

"Bush, he is dung!"