[SharonLorraine]

I just wish Simon would have come across better in the first debate. It made me want to switch my alliegence to Jones but then I found out he dumped Bush for McCain in the Presidential primaries and that made me want to puke.

[Impeach98]

Maybe this will make you feel better - it is Chris Weinkopf's column in the Los Angeles Daily News

Riordan lead doesn't make him a leader - CLICK HERE

[absalom01]

I just wish Simon would have come across better in the first debate.

I know what you mean: in my opinion, he seemed a bit over-polished on TV, but then, remember, he's having to learn this on the fly. Television is a dangerous medium -- even accomplished public speakers can look like dorks on the small screen, and no amount of practice can compensate for experience. Simon did impress me, though, by being fairly direct about opposition to illegal immigration, his unabashed pro-life stance and a clear intelligence. He's a good candidate, and is going to give Riordan a run for his money. And that's a good thing, IMHO.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Agreed. I like Simon but I think he came across as a little stiff. For the next two debates he needs to loosen up and relax. He has good ideas, makes good points, and was the most specific of the candidates. As for Jones, he is a nice guy and came across as competent in the debate, in fact I think he beat Simon by a nose in the debate, but he was at times too aggressive and went on too many personal attacks. I was originally for Jones, moved to Simon, then after the debate went back into the undecided column. These rising poll numbers for Simon are a good sign. Everyone remember how far back in the polls Davis was, and then he came back and won everything? It is good now that people choose between Simon and Jones. Too big a split there could allow Riordan to get it. On the other hand, Simon looks like he is taking Riordan voters which is the best possible scenario!