Simon’s Turnabout

Democratic Gov. Gray Davis got his wish Tuesday night. By injecting himself into the Republican primary, using millions of dollars worth of attack ads, Davis prevented former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan from being his reelection opponent in November. Wealthy conservative neophyte Bill Simon Jr., virtually unknown only a few months ago, brushed aside both Riordan and Secretary of State Bill Jones in the GOP gubernatorial primary.

It wasn’t just Davis’ unorthodox but effective meddling in the opponents’ primary that brought Simon to this double-digit victory. Simon, 50, came across as more vigorous and focused than the 71-year-old Riordan. He appealed to core conservatives who usually dominate GOP primaries in California, especially when there is a low turnout.

Only weeks ago, Riordan was the overwhelming favorite based on his record as mayor, his moderate positions on issues important to a majority of Californians and his unscripted personal style. Riordan claimed to be the candidate Davis feared most for his appeal to the middle of the political spectrum. As a far-ahead front-runner, he ran his campaign against Davis, not his GOP opponents.

Newcomer Simon seemed personally stiff and touted a familiar list of conservative themes--opposition to abortion, taxation, environmental regulation and big government. After the first GOP debate, one Sacramento political pro wondered whether Simon was running for president of the yacht club.

Riordan’s rambling campaign failed to respond crisply to attacks by Davis and Simon. In the end, Riordan accused Simon of being “extreme,” a last-gasp tactic that didn’t work against Ronald Reagan in 1966 and didn’t work this year.

A word about Bill Jones, a highly effective secretary of state. Jones, a moderate former legislator, had more experience and was better prepared to be governor than either foe. Alas, he couldn’t raise enough money--or excitement--to wage an effective campaign.

Today, Simon has a big mountain to climb: to broaden his message so he can appeal to a majority of voters. Because of this ridiculously early primary, he has more than eight months to do that--or to make a fatal mistake.

Davis will try to paint Simon into a far-right corner, but the governor cannot take victory on Nov. 5 for granted.

Davis has demonstrated his skill at infighting and fund-raising. What he needs to do in the next eight months is to convince Californians he can really govern, something he failed to do in dealing hesitantly with the energy crisis and the state budget deficit. Gov. Davis’ actions in the next eight months will speak louder than candidate Davis’ words in campaign ads.