Back now... Caller 4 (David on a car phone). Question for Simon. Article suggested Simon won't agressively differentiate himself from Reardon because they're friends. Simon: Reardon increased taxes, pledges to not raise taxes even to balance the budge. On abortion, Dick & him are at opposite ends. Said Jones declined, Dick is "pro-choice" and Simon wouldn't remove the pro-life plank. Pro-2nd Amendment, suggests Reardon would send police door-to-door to seize weapons. Wants budget cuts, streamlined gov't. Says Jones doesn't understand a boardroom, attacks Jones on that tax increase again. Jones' comments: experience key, has had to balance budgets in public & private sector. Key issue, who has the experience to lead. Says LA's crime reduction was due to 3 strikes, Reardon can't manage. Sucks up to the host. Reardon's management style is to be in France and deal with the MTA strike over the phone. People don't know where Reardon is leading, points out Dem support. Jones claims to have supported every major Republican incumbent in his political career.
End of debate. More radio debates to come.
One thing that really irritates me about Bill Jones: why does he think that it's his right to be our nominee for governor because he has experience? I'm sick and tired of career politicians who think that they know what's best for us. And that stupid comment about knowing how to get a budget through a Democrat legislature ... please! The governor has the ability to BLUE LINE anything he doesn't like!
And another thing, Jones says that he's the best to "lead" ... if his idea of leadership is to increase my taxes -- like he did in 1991; use my money to pay for abortions -- which he told the Sacramento Bee in 2000; or switch his endorsement mid-election -- like he switched from Bush to McCain in 2000; that's not the kind of leader I want!