Assessing the Effect of a Presidential Drop-In

Re “Lukewarm Backing for Simon,” Aug. 24: The biggest beneficiary of President Bush’s fund-raising for the California governorship was not Republican candidate Bill Simon, it was Gov. Gray Davis. All Davis’ negative campaign ads against Simon were nothing compared with the bonanza he reaped from the intense adverse media coverage Simon received as a result of Bush’s visit.

While many voters might not put much stock in attacks included in campaign ads, considering their source, they do take heed when the same attacks begin every newscast and are on the front page. What it shows is that Simon not only has difficulty running businesses, he can’t even run a campaign.

Jack Allen

Pacific Palisades

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It’s the economy, stupid. This is true now, in the governor’s race, more than ever. Davis inherited a budget surplus and turned it into a multibillion-dollar deficit. He has increased state spending, offering raises to his union buddies when everyone else is losing his job.

What concerns me more than anything is the press’ reporting of our situation. It is so desperate to invent scandalous stories about Bush’s support for Simon that it is losing sight of the bottom line. I lost my job three weeks ago and can’t find another. Think I care how many times Bush mentioned Simon’s name? Think again. I say get Davis out of office before he does any more harm.

William Fortuna

Northridge

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So Bush, whose three Texas oil ventures all failed, lauds GOP gubernatorial candidate Simon, loser of a $78-million judgment for defrauding an investment partner, as a “proven businessman.” As they say, it takes one to know one.

Barry Gold

Los Angeles

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As of late, if any Democrat (or anybody, for that matter) has dared to disagree with anything he said, Bush’s favorite phrase for an instant defense has been: “Smells like politics.” That is how he waves off any form of disagreement.

Bush takes the holier-than-thou tone when issuing the “smells like politics” decree, as if all who disagree with him are doing so only to play politics, not because their thoughts have any merit. Well, I wonder if the president would like to try his hand at characterizing his recent action of secretly endorsing Simon, very warmly, stating he’s proud to associate with him--at a private affair--but not speaking Simon’s name while the cameras roll. If the president is at a loss for words (which he so often is), I have a perfect phrase to offer up: smells like politics.

Phil Hu

Alhambra

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Let’s leave the mudslinging to the kids at the playgrounds and beaches. I would like the political candidates to stop attacking the opposition and tell us what they can and will do for us if elected. I will not vote for a candidate who slings mud at his opponent. Oh well, I guess that just leaves all the propositions.

Julie DeMarco

San Gabriel