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.)
So far as I can tell the trend in California is flat and heavily "pro-choice." Last time I saw Simon asked about the abortion issue on TV (KSBW), he booted it by running away from it, changing the subject, and talking about electrical power. I think he has a stronger tack available, by changing the question from the media's favorite: "choice versus abortion" (where he not only loses, there are no State-level deliverables), to one of "Lets talk about what I CAN do about this issue as governor, since I can't overturn Supreme Court. Amorality taught in public schools leads to unwanted pregnancy and costs kids dearly, and I know what to do about it. The schools are violating parental notification laws. Those laws need to be enforced." The latter is a positive message, still on topic, that can't be construed as mean. It will appeal to parents across the board and turn the discussion from abortion to one of California's miserable socialist schools as destructive to all but the elitists. If Davis goes back to abortion after that, he will look like the bitter one-issue candidate that he will then be.
Simon is in a perfect position to win over a whole range of new constituencies for conservatives. I can personally tell you that if he plays his cards correctly he can even win the environmental vote while reinforcing private property rights.