Is Liberal Gerry Parsky Making a Move on Bill Simon Campaign in California?

ABC News ^ | 06212002 | Mark Halperin, Elizabeth Wilner

[Impeach98]

"As Simon made the rounds Wednesday in Washington, a behind-the-scenes shakeup was quietly taking place back at his campaign headquarters in Sacramento. As with the Washington tour, that move was orchestrated by the White House."

"Ron Rogers, the strategist in charge of the campaign's day-to-day operations, was ousted in favor of John Peschong, a veteran California Republican Party operative and close ally of Gerald Parsky, the Westside businessman who acts as Bush's chief political emissary in the state."

"White House political operatives, including chief strategist Karl Rove, have been privately critical of the Simon campaign, echoing widespread concerns in GOP circles--shared, most critically, by some of the party's biggest financial supporters."

"They complain that Simon has moved too slowly to build support beyond his conservative base and is too passive in exploiting Davis' perceived weaknesses. They also criticized Simon for failing to respond immediately when Davis launched a multimillion-dollar ad blitz two weeks ago."

"Bush, who helped Simon raise millions of dollars at a pair of events in April, has agreed to return to California in August to help raise more money."

[eureka!]

Interesting take and I would not doubt that there is some truth in your deductions and suppositions. That Grayout has had to already run attack ads and has been trying to shore up his own base is not the sign of a solid incumbent. That W has not spent a lot of time here, under your theory, is troubling though Jeb was just out. In any event, always a pleasure to get your take on things. Time will tell. Thanks....