[Sabertooth]

That's what has to be done, and I think there is one shot left in California. Simon is the last chance.

You know, I've lived in CA for 40 years, and I just don't agree.

Republicans are like that mean high school teacher you love to hate, but love, because he challenged you. When Republicans stand firm on principle, and shrug off Dems smears ("mean-spirited," "racist," etc.), they do very well with the electorate, even in California, and even with voter fraud.

In the past few years, we've passed referendums against affirmative action, bilingual education, and gay marriage. How'd that happen, if we're such a Leftist, immoral state?

Not with the wimpy RINO leadership we've seen from the GOP. We won those Propostitions in spite of them.

Hardcore Republicans with fire in their belly can still appeal to a majority of California voters.

When we try to be "nice" or "compassionate" by out-pandering or outbidding the Dems (never happens) we get our butts whipped... every time.

[BOBTHENAILER]

Hardcore Reps with fire in their belly can still appeal to a majority of Cal voters.

After throwing the aborted Riordan support overboard, Bush has endorsed Simon (don't give up on him yet). Yesterdays'polls show Simon in the lead. Personally, if this is played right, I think he will wax Davis. Send me his campaign info and I'll send him some dough.

[The Vast Right Wing]

Your point is dead on. I would only add that the messenger (Bill Simon) needs to deliver his message with a bit of honey. That doesn't say anything about the message. Republicans are portrayed as angry white men that don't care about anything but themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth, but in the past republicans have allowed the dems to get away with it. You counter it by explaining how our policies and ideology will help everyone. It also has to be done by a man/woman that is personally charming where the 'angry white man' label just doesn't seem to fit (Ronald Reagan). I think that Bill Simon is that type of a candidate. He needs to be out their pointing to his actions over his life that affirm that he cares about everyone. It is my understanding that he has devoted a large part of his life and wealth to charity and helping the less fortunate. That is the type of information that completely destroys the stereotype of an uncaring angry white man. It only works if the info is out there and voters no it. Go Bill Go.

[Tony in Hawaii]

I'm with Sabertooth, and I think we need to present our point of view better rather than abandoning it.

The Riordans of our party aren't making the "tent" bigger, they're merely moving it. By doing so, we lose at least as many people as we gain.

[WRhine]

When we try to be "nice" or "compassionate" by out-pandering or outbidding the Dems (never happens) we get our butts whipped... every time.

That is so true and for good reason. When republicans pander for votes they alienate their base and lose big time on the other end when the pandered vote invariably goes to the highest bidding democrat. This reminds me of another well-known Republican.

[Temple Owl]

Bump

[hchutch]

I agree with you on that statement a lot of the time. However, I would add that said fiery conservative must also remember the joke about the old bull and the young bull.

Or, as Kenny Rogers so eloquently put it:

Know when to hold `em,
Know when to fold `em.
Know when to walk away,
Know when to run.

You never count your money
when you're sittin' at the table.
There'll be time for countin'
When the dealin's done.

Words to live by, IMHO.