I listened to the radio while driving around today between appointments, and again on the way home. KQED was broadcasting (and repeating) the Bill Simon / Gray Davis debate. I tried objectively to digest the positions the candidates were taking, not trying to take sides, just evaluating them as debaters. I have to say, Bill Simon comes off as one of the most amateurish candidates I have ever heard running for public office.

Best line I heard - Davis to Simon after Simon flubs question about his solution for California's budget deficit:

"Welcome to the big time, Mr. Simon, people of this state expect governors to make the tough decisions, not run from them."

Mm. That stings.