Simon Leads Riordan in California

NewsMax ^ | 2/27/02 | Limbacher

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

The "experts" said it couldn't be done. Richard Riordan had a lock on the nomination, they insisted. But now conservative California businessman Bill Simon is leading in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

In a stunning turn of events, a poll released today by Field Institute of San Francisco shows Simon with the support of 37 percent of likely voters in Tuesday's GOP primary. Former L.A. Mayor Riordan had 31 percent, and California Secretary of State Bill Jones trailed with 9 percent.

The leftist history of the Democrat-aiding Riordan, who opposes gun rights, favors homosexual rights and is pro-abortion, seems finally to have caught up with him.

However, 56 percent of likely GOP voters think Riordan has the best chance of beating Democrat Gov. Gray Davis, compared with 18 percent for Simon and 8 percent for Jones, the poll found.

In hypothetical contests, Simon and Jones were about even with Davis, with Riordan slightly ahead: 46 percent to 40 percent among likely general election voters.

The race is "an absolute toss-up," said GOP analyst Dan Schnur, who worked briefly for Riordan.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

Great news, and entirely understandable. California is a state built on agriculture and entrepreneurism. This is a natural constituency for a Reaganesque constitutional conservative/libertarian. But for years the GOP has been coughing up singularly uninspiring Socialist Lite candidates, and GOP turnout has been withering. Now, with Simon, we have a candidate who stands for bedrock conservative principles: small government, low taxes, personal morality, individual responsibility, managerial competence. Once again a bright, accomplished, principled outsider rides in to the rescue. It happened in 1966 and it's happening again now. And just in the nick of time-- the state's in a mess. Power shortages, a water crisis, crumbling roads, ineffective schools, smothering regulation, confiscatory taxes... and "Cootie Shots", Islamic indoctrination of teenagers... clearly, the DemocRats have driven this state straight into the Pacific.

Riordan could still rally. This is no time to get complacent. Turnout is everything! Carpe diem, Republicans! Vote, and bring your friends. If you gave up on the Party and are a registered independent or Libertarian, Simon still needs your support. Contact the campaign and ask how you can participate-- phone banks, leafletting... sign up for Simon campaign news releases at http://www.SimonForGovernor.com and forward them to friends... there's lots you can do, and great need for it. I'm not connected to the campaign, by the way... just want to see Governor Bill Simon take his oath of office in January!

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

Ping, and ping your pals

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Hopefully Jones will endorse Simon.

[Impeach98]

BTTT! Go Simon!

[curmudgeonII]

Any polls on these guys one on one against the curent governor in the fall election?

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

You have what I do.

[ElkGroveDan]

BUMP THUMP PING!

[ElkGroveDan]

Yep. Now all three are polling ahead of Dufus in hypothetical match ups. GO SIMON GO!!!!!

[Saundra Duffy]

I detest those anti-Simon ads Riordan is running on TV. Riordan would be worse than "Gay" Davis!

[onedoug]

Yep. Things are looking up for Bill I Never Gave A Damn For Voting Until I Decided To Run For Office Simon.

Thanks for the ping.

[CounterCounterCulture]

Riordan would be worse than "Gay" Davis!

Have to agree. IF Rear-end wins, I'd have to vote 3rd party in November.

[ElkGroveDan]

Well he missed two elections. I'm pretty sure I have too.

At least he wasn't out voting for Democrats the way Riordan was.

[Hugin]

The race is "an absolute toss-up," said GOP analyst Dan Schnur, who worked briefly for Riordan.

The man's in denial.

[SunStar]

Well he missed two elections. I'm pretty sure I have too.

Let me guess... McPherson and Campbell, the two latest milk-toast Republican candidates?

[ElkGroveDan]

Nah, probably when I was away at college back in the early 80s. I do recall requesting my absentee to vote against Bradley for governor though. (that was the year riordan provided Bradley with $500,000 for his campaign)

[ElkGroveDan]

I detest those anti-Simon ads Riordan is running on TV. Riordan would be worse than "Gay" Davis!

Hooray for Saundra. Next Tuesday lets all keep two bottles of champaign on hand to celebrate the end of the careers of Californi'a most infamous political scoundrels; Dick riordan and Gary Condidit.

[goldstategop]

Who could forget he was so generous towards George Deukmejian's opponent that he actually gave him $500,000. Does that sound like a Republican to you? Let's face it the grass-roots is a lot smarter than the party establishment. They know a RINO when they see one and Dickie Pooh, you're NO Republican.

[evilsmoker]

Richard Riordan had a lock on the nomination, they insisted.

If only I had a nickel for every "expert" who told me the Riordan nomination was inevitable...

[Carry_Okie]

Yep. Things are looking up for Bill I Never Gave A Damn For Voting Until I Decided To Run For Office Simon.

Whether you are right or not, do you think that this is a productive statement insofar as advancing your policy preferences are concerned now that the apparent choice is clear?