Simon and Davis Rally the Troops

The two men vying for the California governor’s office appealed to their stalwart backers Saturday, as Republican nominee Bill Simon Jr. laid out his conservative platform for Asian American supporters and Gov. Gray Davis promised union members he would protect workers’ rights.

Each of the candidates adopted strikingly partisan tones with about two weeks to go until election day. As they reached out to their bases, Davis and Simon exhorted supporters to go to the polls and defeat expectations of a low voter turnout.

“We’ve got 17 days left until November the 5th, and we need your help,” Simon told about 100 Asian American community leaders assembled for a morning meeting at a golf resort in the City of Industry. “Can you get out the vote? Can you get your friends out to vote? Can you give us a hand? I think it’s going to be a close election, and I know we can put it over the top if we have your help.”

The investment manager said that, if elected, he would work to cut the capital gains tax and slash regulations that he said are burdensome and driving businesses from the state. The GOP candidate also promised to reform schools by making accountability mandatory.

“We don’t have enough money going into our classrooms,” Simon said. “We are spending plenty of money on bureaucrats and social experiments, and I think that should stop.”

The Republican nominee said that the governor has failed to improve the state’s business climate and education system. More broadly, Simon argued that what he sees as Davis’ failures are symptomatic of a larger character issue: Davis, according to his rival, is so consumed by politics that he has failed to act in the state’s interest.

“He never really has been a governor; he’s been a full-time fund-raiser,” Simon said. “He’s a politician who cares only about his reelection.”

The enthusiastic audience cheered loudly, especially when the candidate promised to include Asian Americans in key appointments and to work to strengthen trade with the Pacific Rim.

“Bill Simon is the candidate who best reflects the values that we hold,” said Mei Mei Ho, a business consultant in Industry and Simon campaign volunteer. “Getting him elected is not just good for Asians, but good for the whole state.”

Kim Wang, a real estate broker from Torrance, said she believes many Asian Americans share the Republican outlook on business, education and family values. Once she met Simon, she said, she was even more excited about his campaign.

“You find him to be a really honest, sincere, caring non-politician,” Wang said.

An hour later, about 300 members of organized labor gathered in a union hall in Gardena to cheer Davis and other Democratic candidates for statewide offices. Lawn signs touting various candidates dangled from the ceiling in the half-full hall, and a blues band performed as labor members munched on barbecued ribs and sausages.

“Labor is the backbone of this country, and we’ve been put down for so long,” said Peter Martyniuk, head of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 1595, which represents painters and drywall finishers. Davis “is an amazing man,” he said. “All he cares about is what’s good for California and what’s good for the working families.”

Before Davis spoke, an array of union leaders and officials praised his record on labor issues and warned that Simon would try to reverse many worker protections.

“This governor has done more than any other Democratic governor in California to protect working men and women,” said former state Sen. Art Torres.

Added Bob Balgenorth, an official with the building trades unions: “Simon says he would do away with every issue that means anything to working men and women.”

When he addressed the crowd, Davis recited a list of labor-backed bills he has signed into law, including those to restore the eight-hour work day, increase workers’ compensation benefits and establish the first paid family leave law. Simon opposed all three of those bills.

“All the good work we have done and all of the progress we have made is at risk,” the governor warned.

The Democratic governor said that, even though he is ahead in most polls, union members need to encourage others to vote. “Polls don’t vote,” Davis said. “People vote.”

“I am just the vehicle,” he said. “This is not about me. This is about what kind of future you want.”

The candidates did find something to agree on. They similarly dodged questions about the other contest claiming the attention of Californians: the World Series matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the Anaheim Angels.

When asked who he was rooting for, Simon responded with a grin: “The underdog.” He refused to elaborate.

Davis also avoided picking sides.

“Whoever wins, it’s a great story,” he said. “I’m the governor, so I know I’m going to be drinking champagne someplace.”