Simon Wins GOP Vote
NewsMax.com Wires
Monday Feb. 11, 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 percent to 32 percent for Jones in second
place. Trailing behind at 28 percent 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 resonate
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.
Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
California Governors Race
