Bill Simon on Government Reform

2004 former Republican Challenger CA Governor

Voters are turned off by negative campaigns

Q: Political participation remains extremely low. How do you inspire the public to "get involved"?

A: Voters are turned off by negative campaigns. I have tried to run my campaign by focusing on the issues that matter to Californians: the economy, education, and our quality of life. I tried to encourage open and honest debates with Gray Davis - but he refused to attend. In the general election alone, I appeared on over 200 radio shows. I hope these efforts helped to inspire voters to get involved.

Source: Eastern Groups Publications, CA Gov. Q&A, with Raul Vasquez Nov 2, 2002

Davis' pursuit of contributions are an obsession

Q: Name at least one positive and one negative influence you've found campaign contributions can have.

A: A positive that can be found in campaign contributions is that they provide the funding to help raise voter awareness. The negative effect of campaign contributions: Gray Davis. The governor has turned his pursuit of campaign cash into an obsession and has left Californians wondering whether his policies are based on what is good for our state or what is good for Gray Davis' campaign wallet.

Source: Eastern Groups Publications, CA Gov. Q&A, with Raul Vasquez Nov 2, 2002

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