Press Release

Simon Wins Endorsement of Major Republican Grass Roots Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2001

CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY VOTES OVERWHELMINGLY FOR SIMON FIRST CANDIDATE TO GAIN MAJOR GOP VOLUNTEER ENDORSEMENT

Contact: Bob Taylor -- (916) 397-1497 (Mobile)

IRVINE - Bill Simon's campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination today received another huge boost as the California Republican Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed his candidacy. The CRA is recognized as California's largest and most active conservative Republican grass roots organization. Simon defeated handily both of his major primary opponents, Bill Jones and Richard Riordan. The candidacy of Riordan received a major setback by receiving only one vote among over 200 delegates.

"The members of the California Republican Assembly are the most effective grass roots volunteers not only in California, but also in the country," said Simon. "Clearly, my message for smaller government, lower taxes, and private solutions as the best way to address the problems California faces resonated with these leaders. Candidates endorsed by the CRA have a great track record of winning, and with their help, I'm confident we're putting the pieces together for winning the primary in March and taking great momentum into the general election against Gray Davis."

Simon received well over 75% of the delegates' votes at their endorsing convention, with two-thirds required for the endorsement. The delegates made their endorsement this morning after hearing Simon and Secretary of State Bill Jones debate Saturday night. Simon also received the endorsement of conservative leader and commentator Bruce Herschensohn at the convention.

"Bill Simon articulated to our members his clear, conservative vision of how to renew the California Dream," said CRA President and former State Senator Dick Mountjoy. "Soon the voters of California will know what we learned this weekend - a new leader in the mold of Ronald Reagan has emerged in California, and help is on the way! CRA led the way for the Reagan Revolution in 1966, and we are leading again today."

The California Republican Assembly endorsement will put a volunteer organization with thousands of members to work for Simon in the GOP primary. Additionally, the CRA voter guide listing its endorsed candidates is mailed to Republican voters throughout California. This endorsement caps a series of new supporters to the Simon campaign effort. In addition to Herschensohn, former State Treasurer Matt Fong, Board of Equalization Chairman Claude Parrish, Assemblymen Dennis Mountjoy, Jay La Suer, John Campbell and Tony Strickland recently endorsed the campaign.

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BILL SIMON FOR GOVERNOR
10990 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 500
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
http://www.SimonForGovernor.Com