As a Californian who has posted several times on FR about how weak Simon's campaign is, I could almost — emphasize "almost" — agree. However, Bill Jones finished third in the primary for very good reason. He revealed his both his total disloyalty and his poor judgement during the 2000 presidential primary. He had come out early in support of then Gov. George W. Bush. Then, when McCain was at the height of the media frenzy for him, shortly before the California primary Jones suddenly jumped from Bush to McCain. Jones' political career in this state crashed with that incredibly stupid move.
This year, Riordan and Jones split the "moderate" Republican vote in the primary while the overwhelming number of conservatives voted for Simon. Conservatives are desperately swimming upstream against a flood that is turning this state into the most Left-wing in the nation, even surpassing Vermont. It's truly unfortunate that Simon has turned out to be just an awful campaigner. I don't expect much improvement after that magic turning point his campaign keeps telling us they are waiting for — you know, the time when people start to focus on the campaign. All I have to say to that is: if you are focusing on the race, and I am focusing on the race, who are we to presume that no one else is?
Vets_Husband_and_Wife: Sorry, I intended my remarks for people who are defending Simon's lousy campaign. I just clicked "post reply" on the last post on the thread. Happened to be yours, and you and I are in agreement with the exception that I don't agree that Simon should bow out now. That would be tantamount to lettting Davis run unapposed.