[Wolfstar]

With the exception of the headline of this piece, your post is the only one that mentions REPUBLICANS. The body of the article is all about how CONSERVATIVES should not worry. Thing is, not all Republicans are Conservatives (and vice versa). Many, like myself, lean toward the libertarian part of the political spectrum on a number of issues. In addition, in the Northeast states and those along the Pacific seaboard, there are many voters who lean Republican on fiscal matters, but who lean Dem/Left on social issues. Wherever they are on the political spectrum, the mistake too many activists make is that they fail to grasp the fact that success in politics is about coalition-building.

In any case, Bill Simon is the REPUBLICAN candidate for governor in this state. He is not the conservative candidate except in the narrow sense that his positions are purported to be largely conservative.

The problem with the Simon campaign is that they are not using the "free media." Either they don't know how, or they don't think it's necessary. The result is that everyone is defining who Simon is — except Bill Simon. All the excuses in the world do not inform me as much as the evidence of my own two eyes and ears. Example:

Over the last month or so, the John and Ken radio show on KFI here in the L.A. area have been pounding Sacramento about the anti-SUV and anti-driver "global warming" bill. They have been practically begging Simon to come on the air with them and help lead the charge against the bill, with no response from the Simon campaign. A week or so ago, they led a caravan of SUVs, pick-up trucks, etc., up to Sacramento to protest the announcement that Davis would sign the bill. Simon could have led that caravan, gotten free publicity all along the way from L.A. to Sacramento, and picked up who knows how many votes. But he never got involved. A massive blown opportunity to make all sorts of political hay with a very lively issue. A blown opportunity to explain to the general public how this bill threatens to destroy the California economy, and to draw a sharp distinction between Republicans and Democrats (no Republicans voted for it). Very stupid on Simon's part.

Oh, he's got my vote because I'm a committed Republican. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm disgusted with his campaign and don't expect him to win. And I defy anyone, ANYONE to tell me I'm "whining." No, I'm not. I'm telling you people the truth as I see it on the ground here where I live. There is a huge difference between marshalling one's resources for the fall, and being the invisible candidate throughout the spring and summer. I am furious that I'm stuck with a candidate who doesn't get the difference. I'm even more furious with people who keep making excuses for him when what is actually needed is pressure on him to start taking his candidacy a heck of a lot more seriously.

[truth_seeker]

The problem with the Simon campaign is that they are not using the "free media." Either they don't know how, or they don't think it's necessary.

Along with your anti-SUV protest--eg. Simon's lost opportunity.

Try the electricity issue. Mr. KABC has been on Davis about the mismanagement. He has been inviting Simon to come on his radio show; no response.

Now maybe Mr. Simon has a secret plan, to emerge from the shadows, with a brilliant last minute touchdown run. Maybe he and his handlers are far more sophisticated, and don't think he needs the free-media exposure we're talking about.

I will vote for Mr. Simon, I agree with his politics, I am a long term Republican. And I predict he will lose, because he has run a dumb campaign. If you feel otherwise, we can agree to disagree.

If ever there was an opportunity to go with both barrels against an incumbent, Davis was the chance. Simon hasn't taken the opportunity.