Christopher Ruddy
Monday, Aug. 11, 2003

California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon appeared on Fox News today and said Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to run for governor was a good thing.

I couldn’t agree with him more.

While I am not endorsing the Terminator (and our readers should not mistake NewsMax’s “Terminator Governor: Hasta la vista, Davis” T-shirts as an endorsement), we love the fact that a well-known national figure has entered the political fray and is running as a Republican.

Schwarzenegger brings energy and interest to this race. Republicans across the country need to pay attention to California.

For too long California, once the base of the Republican Party, has been ignored. Its Republican ranks are in complete disarray.

Previously, I wrote that I did not agree with the recall. I still don’t and for many good reasons.

But it is also clear that the unpopular Davis will not be able to muster a majority of votes in the ballot denying the recall.

The next ballot question will be the critical one – deciding who will replace Davis.

Many Californians are jumping to make a choice, many for Arnold.

I strongly suggest that conservatives, especially opinion leaders like radio hosts, should hold off endorsing a candidate until at least Labor Day. The election is Oct. 7 and much can happen in between.

Personally, I want to see how Schwarzenegger handles himself under the coming barrage of liberal media criticism. (Actually, it has already started.)

I also want to know more about his policy positions and how he sees the future of the Republican Party.

Indeed, California is a state in crisis. Does Arnold have the experience to handle such a challenge? On first blush, he doesn’t. He does have Gov. Wilson as his shadow adviser. That’s a plus.

I also know Bill Simon is an able businessman and a solid conservative, a winning combination.

State senator Tom McClintock is also a solid conservative and a proven vote-getter. He almost won his recent race for state comptroller.

And then there is Peter Ueberroth. He may be a superb interim choice. He has promised not to run again in the next election.

This election is one of great drama. The stakes are high.

As the hoopla over Arnold’s entrance cools, we need to figure out who will be the best candidate for the people of California.

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