I think Simon will do just fine. Voters like a positive message, as Reagan repeatedly showed, and Simon is going to offer SOLUTIONS to problems, not just hit Davis.
Why people in DC feel compelled to open their mouths and blab to every paper about every little thought they have is amazing to me.
But he said the task won't be easy: "Starting dead even following the primary, our chances are pretty slim. It would take a very creative campaign, and I don't see that coming."
I don't see the reason for being so negative. One recent poll shows Simon up by seven (which is hardly "starting dead even" against an incumbent Gov. of a large state).
Also. Whenever an incumbent statewide candidate polls under 50% in a two-way poll (s)he is in a vulnerable position. The fact that Davis has >50% negatives and is seven points down to a reletive unknown says that the people of California don't want him to be Gov. Heck - if he keeps it up he may draw a green/lib to run as a third party candidate.
None of this should be taken to mean that Simon is some kind of shoe-in (he is "out of step" with most of California), but it's far from "our chances are pretty slim".
JMHO - but,
IMRight
I know Bill Simon; he's no Ronald Reagan — only because he brings to the race so many potential political liabilities in terms of cheap shots...Too many potential political liabilities, Bill Simon??? Apparently Bill Thomas stayed too long in the beltway!!! This guy had no idea who he's talking about. He should get back home to smell the coffee.