Replies

"We're going to point out the energy crisis, the worst budget deficit in California history — caused by his big-spending ways — and the schools in Silicon Valley ranked last in the nation in science, near last in reading and math. So we're going to tell that story."

This is standard fare negative advertising and might work for most candidates, but is an ill-advised tactic for Bill Simon. As it is, Mr. Simon comes across as "Mr. Clean-n-Decent." If he goes negative, it will feed Davis' pitch that conservatives are mean-spirited. This is a stupid tactic that hurts his chance to sell a positive image to swing voters, which is what worked for him against Riordan. If Simon doesn't stay positive at least in the early going, Davis' amply-funded negatives with full media complicity will stick.

There are better ways for Bill Simon to present himself by turning Davis' negative attacks against him. The best tactic is to show how common decency, self-control, and charity are the very values so badly needed for California's kids. That is a universal message. He should then pull out his record for having provided exactly that example at Covenant House in LA, where he has seen the evil fruits of what is being taught in Californai schools. It will come across as genuine and is natural to the man. Bill Simon is too kind a person to go negative effectively. He is stronger if he sticks with a positive message. Only once that positive image is totally set in the minds of the voters, will a patient, clear, and rational exposition of the disaster that Davis has been to the future of California's lower middle class, work to seal the little geek-monster's fate.

How should Simon use the issue from this?

Who's watching the children? : Ex-convicts abound in child care, parents unaware

What's the trend these days in CA on abortion, since for the country as a whole its moving pro-life? (Although somewhat incrementally, stronger personal beliefs against it, yet not ready to translate that into overturning Roe v. Wade. But the trend is there.)

If he goes negative, it will feed Davis' pitch that conservatives are mean-spirited.
That's B.S. The Republican Party has listened to the liberal media for way too long regarding "negative" advertising.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with pointing out your opponent's miserable track record. Voters know the difference between that and a personal attack.
Ronald Reagan did so during his campaigns and I think that's why he won. Although I can't recall his one opponent, I do remember the ad: Bills pouring through the letter opening in the front door while a voice says, "Gov. Dukakis (I think) wants to do for you what he's done for Mass."
It was an effective ad which pointed out the "tax-and-spend" method the Demos so love. We need to get back to that type of advertising.