What difference does it make? The Democrats have already won the Headline Wars on this one. Simon's only salvation is that no one is really paying attention right now.
True. Unfortunately, even though people may not be paying attention, the background noise eventually comes through, and people think Simon=shady businessman. The real possible salvation for Simon is that people only pay attention to one srory at a time. Simon needs to answer all questions even if nobody pays attention, then if asked say he has answered all that and change the subject.
The election is going to be a referendum on Gray Davis. If people think that Davis is not corrupt or a failed leader, he'll win on November 5th. If they think that he is corrupt and a failed leader, he will lose on November 5th.
Simon needs to do what he did in the primary ... bide his time, get close to the election, then sell himself as the alternative to the failed leadership of Gray Davis.
Simon is winning in 9 or 11 polls. I'm sure we'll hear of another poll soon. Let's not give up before the race has even begun!