THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS :

Simon asks national GOP leaders for their help (John Wildermuth, July 20, 2002, San Francisco Chronicle)

Republican Bill Simon prides himself on being a successful businessman, but his selling ability was tested Friday when he worked to convince national GOP leaders that the party's future is in California.
"Think of the shock waves" a win over Democratic Gov. Gray Davis would send through the political community, he told members of the Republican National Committee, which is having its summer meeting in San Francisco.
"I'm absolutely convinced we're going to win on Nov. 5," he told the lunchtime gathering.

I'm absolutely convinced he's going to lose, but so what? The GOP can't just give up on California, can it? California is rich in House seats and Electoral votes--what could be more important to the National Party than to become competitive there again? Posted by Orrin Judd at July 20, 2002 2:35 PM