Yes he did show up here in 2000, once, perhaps twice at the most. He went to Florida between 7 and 11 times. Bush can be very popular when he puts in the effort. Showing up in the state puts him front and center of the state's newspapers. It just raises the awareness level of the man. In a state that is as important as California, it's almost political malfeasense not to show up here often. With a popular governor who can woo voters, it's doubly so.
I'll tell you something else. If Bush were to take a firm stand on illegal immigration, pushing fairness but firmness, he'd take about 75% of the California hispanic vote.
I wish Rove understood a few more things that he does. I think he hurts Bush in some ways, very much.
Don't underestimate Rove.
I think he understands clearly that core issues in Californians don't play well in the battle ground states.
I don't think that Rove expects to win California and he won't have his candidate queered in the moderate heartland by stances on issues that appear "insensitive and unrelated to that world".
Deporting those "hungry" for a better life and "innocent" by virtue of age, on the surface, appears a ploy of a racist Republican.