California 2002: Gray Davis vs. Richard Riordan

[President Johnson]

What if, in 2002, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan had been the Republican nominee for governor? As a more moderate politican than the real life nominee Bill Simon, some observers claim he could have won that election. Thoughts?

I think Riordan would have beaten Democratic governor Gray Davis, who was already unpopular. And Arnie would never have happend. Davis only got reelected with 47-42% as the lesser evil after he sponsored attack ads against Riordan during the primaries, because he wanted a staunch conservative as his opponent.

[Bleeding heart conservative, HTMLdon]

Riordan!!!!

[Kingpoleon]

Richard Riordan: 50.5%
Gray Davis: 40.8%
Peter Camejo: 8.2%
Others: .5%

[Sir Mohamed]

Almost certainly Riordan (who would also have done better as gov than Arnold).

✓ Richard Riordan.....50.1%
Gray Davis (inc.).....43.7%
Peter Camejo..........5.5%
Others...................0.7%