No one for Governor(L.A. Daily News Editorial)

Los Angeles Daily News ^ | 10/30/02 | Los Angeles Daily News

[Mark]

No one for governor

Neither Davis nor Simon is up to the job

There's no greater indictment of California's two major political parties than the 2002 gubernatorial campaign.

The choice of incumbent Gray Davis for the Democrats and his hand-picked opponent, businessman Bill Simon for the Republicans, is one not worth making.

That's why the Daily News recommends none of the above -- a first for us. We don't endorse in some races because there's no contest or we're lukewarm about the candidates. But in this case, we feel strongly that neither candidate deserves your vote -- and we want to send that message to the political parties.

In his four years in office, Davis has offered a horrific combination of incompetence and sleaze. It is his incompetence that produced the state energy crisis and a $24 billion budget deficit. It is his sleaze that has generated a never-ending series of fund-raising scandals and payoffs.

Sadly, Simon fails to offer much of an alternative.

That's a pity. Given the widespread discontent with Davis' tenure, Californians were itching for the chance to replace him. For many, the slogan "anyone but Davis" resonated -- until Simon came along.

It seems like every week throughout the Simon campaign, there was another blunder: Legal problems, controversies surrounding his tax filing, flip-flops on controversial issues and -- most embarrassing of all -- the infamous photo flap.

For a political neophyte, this was a lousy introduction to the people of California. If ethics and competence were Davis' weak points, they hardly turned out to be Simon's strong suits. Worse yet, Simon failed to articulate any sort of coherent vision for what kind of leadership he would offer.

So where does that leave the state's voters?

Unfortunately, nowhere.

Yes, there are the third-party candidates, but these tend to be cranks and ideologues, not responsible leaders, and none with the remotest chance of winning. For better or for worse -- and in this case, worse -- Davis and Simon are the only game in town.

But in good conscience, we cannot recommend either.

So we recommend you do something in protest. Write in Richard Riordan. Vote for the third-party candidate whose world view most closely resembles your own. Or better yet, simply leave the chads on the gubernatorial portion of your ballot unpunched as a protest vote.

Let the Democratic and Republican parties know that if they want your vote, they need to do better-- much better.

[Mark]

Take your ball and go home?

[Free the USA]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[Untouchable]

I am glad that I am not the only one who thinks Riordan would have been a better choice than these two clowns.

[ffrancone]

IT'S 6 DAYS 'TIL THE ELECTION

GOOD INTENTIONS DON'T WIN ELECTIONS.

YOU CAN HELP, TODAY. GO TO:

TakeBackCongress.org

A resource for conservatives who want a Republican majority in the Senate

[B Knotts]

So we recommend you do something in protest. Write in Richard Riordan.

Ugh.

Why not just vote for Gray Davis? He and Riordan are pretty much the same on the issues.

[Mark]

Maybe the Democrats will take this advice.

[B Knotts]

Well, I mean...what's the difference between Riordan and Davis, really? I keep hearing the whining about Riordan, but the people who support Riordan generally aren't conservatives.

[Fausto]

Here in California's neighbor to the east (yes, that means were are right of the *left coast*) you can actually vote from "None of the above" in statewide offices. Republican Kenny Guinn is a sure shot for re-election this year (he's a moderate convervative at best, but faces an weak Democat opponent and overall weak dem party), but someone has actually spent some money here in Vegas recently to promote "Nota for Governor". Nota=None of the above.

Since Nevada can't find a real conservative to run for governor, look maybe for Nota to get some real numbers...maybe (hoping on my part) more than the Democrat Joe Neal. I know, I know...why does anyone outside of Nevada care about what I am saying here? I don't know. Maybe I just thought it was odd someone would spend money tellin' you to vote for nobody. Then again, I'm a young pup.

[BillyBoy]

>> I am glad that I am not the only one who thinks Riordan would have been a better choice than these two clowns. <<

Since you clear WANT a pro-abortion, gun-grabbing, tax-lovin', ultra-liberal Governor, I suggest you just vote for Gray Davis and stop wasting your time promoting liberalism on a conservative forum.

[uncbob]

The choice of incumbent Gray Davis for the Democrats and his hand-picked opponent, businessman Bill Simon for the Republicans, is one not worth making.

What's this HAND PICKED BS. The GOP EST backed Riordan

Typical liberal media garbage

[Cicero]

Freepers don't usually just accept what the liberal press says at face value, but for some reason they seem more willing to in the case of Simon.

Simon has NOT run a bad campaign. He has been handicapped by a Republican organization that refuses to back him or raise money for him because they are country clubbers. He was bushwhacked by a crooked judge who found his family firm guilty of fraud--a judgment later thrown out. He is butchered by the media because he is pro-life.

Just look at the editorial. What does it tell you? That Gray Davis is so bad not even the California media can stomach him. On one side, Gray Davis is an out-and-out crook. On the other side, Bill Simon's worst crime is that he let himself be blindsided on the COPS picture. So what? It was somewhat foolish, but it was hardly on a par with taking bribes from everyone in sight.

Hopefully, this editorial will persuade more Dems than Republicans to stay home. But not if Republicans gullibly accept everything the media whores tell them.

[Mark]

What's this HAND PICKED BS. The GOP EST backed Riordan

It refers to Davis campaigning heavily against Riordan in the primary to get Simon to win. He was seen as easier to beat. The Daily News seems to usually be more down the middle, unlike the Times rag.

[uncbob]

I see that makes sense now

[WOSG]

THIS IS A LIBERAL PAPER. Lesson:

If you are Liberal, find anyoen but Davis to support.

If you are conservative, you should still vote Simon. LATimes cant support Simon because the liberals cant stand to support a conservative.

This is very good news, if every liberal editorial writer does the same. Simon could beat Davis 45% to 40% with green party and "NOTA" taking up the difference.

[Mediaqueen]

Good points all, Cicero...