Posted on 02/10/2002 1:25:29 PM PST by CounterCounterCulture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, February 10, 2002
SAN JOSE - Bill Simon's campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor received another boost as the delegates to the California Republican Party Convention voted overwhelmingly for Simon as their choice for Governor. "It wasn't even close," exulted Simon campaign head and former Republican Party Chairman John Herrington.
Despite three major candidates in the race, Simon was the clear choice of the delegates, winning 40% to 32% for Jones in second place. Trailing behind at 28% was Dick Riordan, whose liberal political views are at odds with rank and file Republicans. Over 900 Republicans voted, making participation at the Convention straw poll one of the highest in history.
"I am extremely honored to be the candidate backed by Republican Party members," declared Simon. "My conservative ideas to renew the California Dream are exactly what we need to repair the damage done from Gray Davis' failed administration."
"This vote of California Republicans reaffirms the support I've received across the country from Republican leaders like Rudy Giuliani, Jack Kemp and William F. Buckley Jr.," Simon added.
Sal Russo, chief Simon strategist, said "this tremendous outpouring of support from the rank and file of the Republican Party reminds me of the same excitement that we generated when Ronald Reagan first ran for Governor. They both speak with clarity to the concerns of Californians and stick to conservative principles that resonant throughout the state."
Joel Strom, statewide volunteer chairman for Simon and former Bush statewide chairman said, "Just like the Iowa straw poll gave President Bush the momentum to win the presidency, I believe this straw poll victory today will give Bill Simon the momentum to win the governorship."
The results of the straw poll were made public only after an attempt by the Dick Riordan campaign to thwart release of the vote. Realizing that their candidate would lose badly, the Riordan campaign had tried to cancel the straw poll or at least delay release of the results until a day after the convention had ended. With Republican delegates poised to force the release of the straw poll results, Riordan's campaign political gamesmanship was put to rest.
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BILL SIMON FOR GOVERNOR
10990 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 500
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
Website: http://www.SimonForGovernor.Com
(Now, if we can get some of those "straws" to vote in the REAL primary, March 5th...)
I just now received the e-mail and was going to post it.
It would sure be a good replacement for my "Impeach Clinton" one!
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