Newport Beach crowd applauds Simon

Paul Clinton

Pundits’ observations that the governor’s race isn’t generating

much interest with voters didn’t apply to the crowd of Republicans

that packed a wealthy industrialist’s local office Monday to watch

the first, and probably last, debate between the two leading

candidates.

When Gov. Gray Davis referred to Republican challenger Bill Simon

as the “first son of the far right,” loud boos filled the room, a

top-floor office at the Koll Center.

When Simon pronounced that Democrat Davis, a four-year incumbent

“has trouble with the truth,” the crowd let out gleeful oohs, and

then cheered.

Even though he is trailing in the latest poll -- an Oct. 1 Los

Angeles Times poll put Davis’ lead at 10 points -- Simon could do no

wrong at Monday’s luncheon. Republican fund-raiser Buck Johns, an

architect and builder of power plants, hosted the event.

During the one-hour debate, Simon and Davis questioned each

other’s ethics and stances on the state budget, energy crisis, gun

laws, education and other issues. The candidates’ faces were beamed

into the packed room of 70 people from three TV monitors.

The Los Angeles Times sponsored the debate held at the newspaper’s

downtown L.A. offices.

Afterward, Johns said Simon’s performance reminded him of “a young

[John] Kennedy.” In 1960, Kennedy’s supremely confident presidential

debate against an uncomfortable Richard Nixon is cited as one of the

turning points in that race.

“He’s a bright, young guy,” Johns said. “He’s an energetic guy.”

Davis’ supporters, not surprisingly, saw the debate differently.

Davis spokesman Roger Salazar said the governor decided to take an

aggressive stance during the event.

“He left Mr. Simon knowing he wasn’t going to be his punching

bag,” Salazar said. “He scored some points where he needed to score

them.”

During the debate’s one revelatory moment, Simon accused Davis of

accepting campaign donations on state property. After the event,

Davis’ campaign rushed to deny the charge.

Orange County Republican Party Chairman Tom Fuentes lauded Simon’s

performance, saying it would give him momentum heading into the Nov.

5 election. Simon has also begun airing campaign TV ads.

“He won this debate,” Fuentes said. “Davis’ message was nasty,

negative and attacking rather than offering anything positive. It

will take its toll.”

Other observers said the debate probably wouldn’t register with

broader voters. Newport Beach political consultant Eileen Padberg

said she didn’t watch the debate.

“Nobody cares about debates but the press,” Padberg said. “People

look for any excuse not to vote.”

* PAUL CLINTON covers the environment and politics. He may be

reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail at paul.clinton@latimes.com.