Disappointment Dogs the Governor’s Race

As someone who donated more than a few dollars to Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Simon, I also say it is time for him to step aside. Many of us were elated to see him trounce the liberal Richard Riordan but have been sorely disappointed by his performance ever since then. He has squandered one of the best opportunities ever to defeat a failed liberal Democrat.

He is a disgrace to his party and to those of us who have supported him. Replacing him with a solid candidate who is not afraid to take on the status quo elites in Sacramento would really bring out the vote against Gov. Gray Davis.

F. Stephen Masek

Mission Viejo

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“Gay Rights Flap Engulfs Simon,” your Sept. 4 front-page coverage of the allegations about Simon’s attitude toward gay people, is interesting. Typically, a very stunning indictment of Gov. Davis and his freeloading on jets is placed in the California section (Sept. 4). Aren’t they both of equal interest? Can’t the voters digest the reportage evenly and come to some conclusions? What is the effect on the citizenry of the governor’s accepting campaign money from people with whom the state routinely does business? You do not mention the deals with the computers, the unions, the financial people, et al, and the summary double-dipping that this consists of. Your subtle approach and sometimes blatant bias are a shame.

Richard Jennings

Bakersfield

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It’s amusing to watch Simon dance as he tries to figure out what his position is in regard to gay rights. Equally amusing are questions directed to Simon as to actions he might take as governor, given the ineptitude of his campaign. Why not ask Adam Sandler about what he would say during his acceptance speech should he win an Academy Award for best actor? Or perhaps the L.A. Clippers’ coach could be queried about the lineup he would use should his team reach the NBA finals. Interesting speculations all, but ultimately a waste of time.

Jon Spevack

Oakland

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The “None of the Above”-ers are at it again (letters, Sept. 4). They remind me of people who didn’t go to the store, didn’t stuff the bird, didn’t peel the potatoes or make the gravy or watch the stove; who didn’t set the table or contribute a nickel for expenses (and certainly have no intention of helping to clean up afterward), who show up for Thanksgiving dinner and squeal, “Is this all we have to choose from ... turkey or ham?”

Robert A. Fruge

Cathedral City