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Want my honest opinion of how Bill Simon did? Actually, he surprised me. HE KICKED JOE DAVIS' @SS!

Yes, he did! Simon was calm, cool and collected ... he had his facts and figures straight, smiled, looked at the camera, seemed personable and real and, frankly, like someone you'd want to have a beer with while watching a football game. Davis looked like a cadaver. Davis NEVER looked at the camera, stammered and stuttered, and his SHIRT DIDN'T FIT! Simon looked like a leader, Davis looked like a funeral director, the one who charges you for the nice casket and buries grandma in a pine box.

Go Simon! Kick more Joe Davis butt!

Unfortunately, my TV wasn't working quite right, so I had to listen to the debate via the Internet, and I missed a lot of the first part while fumbling with the TV.

I was very impressed with Simon. He was in excellent command of the facts and had an air of confidence that Davis struggled badly to imitate.

Davis sounded sneaky and evasive when talking about the two issues of most interest to me: The power crisis and the budget. Simon capitalized on Davis' own admission that he panicked during the power crisis. He also scored major points when talking about the budget. Davis accused him of not being specific enough; Simon shot back with citations to a number of specific proposals.

But my favourite moment had to be when Davis was asked why so many people disliked him, including - especially - people in the legislature. His hopeless answer to this question, mainly a vain attempt to change the subject, went off like a lead balloon, so much so that the follow-up question was simply a repeat of the original.

My least favorite part was where Simon was asked pointed questions about gun control. Davis was especially effective in mentioning the NRA contributions and endorsements; the implication was that Simon was pay to play on this issue, just as Davis was on his. We all know this is wrong - Simon's viewpoint was independently derived - but I could see it scored points.

But let's close this with another highlight - Davis was talking about the family leave bill, and Simon noted that the whole thing was funded by a tax. "Contributions," said Davis. No, Gray, it was a tax. I knew it. Simon knew it. And, more to the point, even the audience knew it.

And, finally, Simon was asked why so many people wanted to pick a different candidate. He brought up the point that most people don't know him, and I think he's right.

This debate showed me that Simon is hard-working, intelligent and will make a great governor. Let's do everything we can to make this happen in November.

D