Posted on 02/08/2002 1:49:47 PM PST by Richard M. Nixon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 8, 2002
Former State GOP Chairmen: Riordan Unacceptable as Republican Nominee
SAN JOSE - Three former chairmen of the California Republican Party - John Herrington, Michael Schroeder and John McGraw - today issued the following statement concerning the candidacy of Dick Riordan:
"For the past few months, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has campaigned across California asking Republicans to support him in the upcoming state Primary Election. As former chairmen of the California Republican Party, we feel it is our duty to weigh in on the unusual candidacy of Mr. Riordan.
"After careful review of Mr. Riordan's record, both prior to his announcement as a Republican candidate for Governor, and through his statements on the campaign trail, we feel only one conclusion can be reached: Dick Riordan is no Republican.
"While we as a Republican Party will individually disagree on one issue or another, we are bonded together by a common commitment to a limited, less intrusive government and the belief that every citizen should have the freedom to achieve his or her dreams.
"Mr. Riordan's record has put him at odds with our core beliefs time and time again. While we believe this Party is more than willing to accept differences of opinion and a healthy exchange of ideas, we believe Mr. Riordan's countless endorsements and financial contributions to Democrat candidates, which began long before he became mayor of Los Angeles, have amounted to nothing more than outright betrayal of our basic principles, something we can never accept.
"Moreover, Mr. Riordan's statements on the campaign trail have not only put him at odds with the majority of California's Republicans on social issues, but his statements supporting tax increases and increases in the size of state government stand in sharp contrast with our core beliefs as well.
"Further, Mr. Riordan has shown a genuine intolerance for Republican candidates and grass-roots leaders possessing other view points and an unfortunate interest in his own political career over the interests of his 'fellow' Republicans. We believe these traits make Mr. Riordan particularly ill-suited to serve as the nominee for our party's top position, as Mr. Riordan is likely to engage in a selective support strategy to enhance his own personal motives that will leave many Republican nominees at every level out in the cold.
"As former chairmen of the Republican Party, we are forced to conclude that Mr. Riordan's Republican credentials extend no further than a check in the box of a voter registration form.
"In contrast, Bill Simon has demonstrated in the past months that he is not only committed to up-holding the core Republican belief of limited, less intrusive government, but has also shown a genuine appreciation for Republicans of every stripe. He has spent months campaigning across the state, building a solid, genuine grass-roots organization that will be of the utmost benefit to our state party in the General Election. He has also pledged whole-heartedly to support every GOP nominee in November.
"Bill Simon is clearly the candidate who should represent the California Republican Party in the General Election."
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Besides, Rudy likes Bill Simon a lot. Hopefully, he can talk Simon into going on Howard's show.
Only a RINO can win a state wide race, like RINOS in EAST Do, e.g MAss, NY, NY, RI, CT.
Bret lost in a Liberal state...... even if Simon wins in CA primary , he will be lose to Davis in a land slide.
Isn't diversity politics so transparent. Illegals for Simon anyone?
But to his credit Simon has not voiced any support for the Reconquista former House speaker Villaraigosa as Riordon has done.
no mention of- PJB, photos, cheese, moose, logged on, Mormons, Catholics, Libertarians...
What you have here is a total failure. In the future, please let the moderators be informed before you 'break wind' in 'Breaking News'.
Have Simon post an e-mail from the Pope ordering him to pass the Olympic torch to Marie Osmond while eating yellow cheddar with a moose praticing the non-agression principle taught to his mother by Patrick Buchanan-- then you will have Breaking News!
I'll be sure to mention that to Gov. Lungren and Sen. Fong the next time I see them.
Because of this, I have made a simple decision: I will never again vote for a liberal, regardless of party affiliation. In the primary, I will happily vote for Simon. If Riordan wins the primary, I will not vote for a gubernatorial candidate.
That may mean Red Davis will win again. But if liberal policies are going to sink the state, I'd rather Democrats get the blame.
Eventually, the Republican party will either dissolve, and be replaced by a truly Conservative party, or will begin nominating conservatives. Either outcome is acceptable to me. This is one conservative who refuses to ever again vote for the lesser of two evils.
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