The awkwardly timed jab at Parsky, in a Times interview, prompted Simon advisors to turn their backs on Schroeder--an Orange County activist whose support they proudly showcased just last month when they dispatched him to a news conference to trash Riordan as a disloyal Republican.
"Schroeder is not authorized to make those statements on behalf of the campaign, and they do not reflect the views of the senior management of the campaign," Simon's campaign chairman, John Herrington, said when informed of the anti-Parsky remarks.
"The election of Bill Simon is dependent on a close working relationship with the president and his designated representative in California. So far, that relationship has been very close, and Parsky has been very helpful since the primary was over."
Wounds Won't Easily Heal
The wounds are not easily salved, however, for they reflect both long-standing and recent disputes between the Simon camp and Parsky.
The day after the primary, Simon's inner circle was dismayed by Parsky's seeming criticism of the new nominee. The New York Times quoted Parsky as saying that an "extreme conservative" could not win in California, and suggesting that Simon's hopes in November depended on his agreeing to "adopt the formula I describe" to broaden the party to moderates. Parsky told the San Francisco Chronicle that the state GOP had to shed its image as a party "dominated by extremists."
Coming just days after Riordan had dismissed Simon as an "extremist," Parsky's comments were widely seen as an attack on the nominee. They also revived speculation about lingering bitterness from the Simon-Parsky business feud.
Dick Mountjoy, president of the conservative California Republican Assembly, described Parsky as "arrogant" and "out of step with the rank-and-file Republican in California."
"He believes the party can be run from a country club; all it takes is money, and forget the grass roots, and change the party principles so we don't believe in anything," Mountjoy said.
Parsky, who commutes daily in his private jet between his ranch north of San Diego and his office in Westwood, said he was misunderstood. He said he does not consider Simon an extremist and believes he can win if he continues to stress school reforms and the state fiscal crisis. "I can say very strongly that I will support his candidacy," Parsky said.
