<p>Strapped for cash and struggling mightily, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon's campaign laid off nearly half its paid staff Wednesday in a move portrayed as streamlining for a post-Labor Day push to defeat Gov. Gray Davis on Nov. 5.</p>
<p>The cuts were announced late Wednesday by campaign chairman John Herrington and are effective today, little more than a week before President Bush is due in California for three fund-raising events on behalf of the Los Angeles businessman.</p>
