— Gray Davis’ attack ads, using the nasty remarks of George Deukmejian as fodder, are hurting Dick Riordan at the polls (Public Policy Institute of California)
The dynamics in the governor’s race have changed dramatically. Richard Riordan still leads in the GOP primary race, but Bill Simon is gaining ground. Among likely voters, Riordan held a 37-point lead over Simon in January (41% to 4%). By mid-February, Riordan’s lead had shrunk to 17 points (41% to 24%).
The Republican Death Wish may be granted sooner than previously thought.