— Simon’s not exactly rabid, but he made some forceful criticism of Davis’ obsession with campaign fund-raising to the exclusion of state business (Simon Attacks Davis Over Fiscal Woes)
Simon attacked his Democratic opponent’s ethics at a luncheon of agricultural leaders. By ignoring the state’s energy and fiscal problems, Simon told them, Davis left the budget “totally out of control” with a $17-billion shortfall.
This is a great opening gambit – Simon has to make the campaign about Davis, highlighting his gross mismanagement of the state, and the fundraising business. The media has been all over Davis for the fundraising thing, so this works in spades. Another story in the Mercury News described Simon has “charming.”