Bill Simon to DROP OUT CA recall race. CNN Reporting.

[undergroundrailroad]

California Republican Bill Simon drops out of Davis recall race


ASSOCIATED PRESS
9:40 a.m., August 23, 2003

LOS ANGELES – Republican Bill Simon dropped out of the gubernatorial recall race Saturday amid calls from party leaders to consolidate support behind fewer candidates, a campaign official said.

Simon campaign spokesman K.B. Forbes confirmed that the Republican, who lost to Gov. Gray Davis in the 2002 race for governor, was dropping his bid to replace Davis if voters decide to oust the governor.


Forbes said Simon planned to release a statement Saturday saying: "I strongly believe that the desire of Californians must come before the aspirations of any single candidate. There are too many Republicans in this race, and the people of this state simply cannot risk a continuation of the Gray Davis legacy."

Forbes denied that Simon's move came in response to any pressure from the party.