In the end, it was probably some mix of all those vengeful purposes. Similarly, there are probably several reasons Perata decided Wednesday to pull the plug on the recall.

But it's too little, too late.

For one thing, the recall remains on the June 3 ballot. Nothing Perata says or does now can change that. Voters still must check the "No" box to make sure this recall gets put away for good.

For another thing, in dire budget times, Perata wasted taxpayer money with this recall attempt. In the five counties in the 12th district, registrars of voters and their workers spent hours going over petitions for the recall at the same time they were preparing for and conducting the February primary. There will be more expense having to count the votes.

Perata is termed out, but he should go now. His usefulness as a legislator has passed and he's now a crabby politician playing ugly games.

Perata's politics feeds Californians' distrust of Sacramento and that sours citizens on voting. It also discourages thoughtful people from running for public office.

The unfortunate recall effort says a lot more about Perata than it does about Denham. While we have not always agreed with Denham's voting record, he casts his votes based on what he believes in. Perata is simply a heavy-handed political goon.

He has never cared about the issues of the San Joaquin Valley, except to meddle in our politics when he thought it might give him some kind of advantage.

If Perata's announcement to end the recall helps speed meaningful budget deliberations, that's good. But he doesn't get or deserve any points for what is clearly a political decision, not a magnanimous gesture.

Denham has come out the big winner. He became a Republican folk hero overnight because of Perata's recall attempt. GOP activists from all over the state have been coming to the 12th District to walk precincts for him. Once an unknown Valley lawmaker, he is now recognized by Republicans across the state.

It's time to move on. But 12th District voters shouldn't forget to vote "No" on the recall question that's still on the June 3 ballot.