Until now, the party's stance on women's issues, the environment and immigration have kept many New Economy execs at arm's length. Even GOP contributors such as Cisco CEO John Chambers who supported George W. Bush for president also have backed Democrats such as Gov. Gray Davis. We're going to be more inclusive. The moderates had hoped to elect Brooks Firestone, a former assemblyman from Santa Barbara, as chairman, but conservative Beverly Hills attorney Shawn Steel won with 53.5 percent of the vote. Within hours of his victory, however, Mr. Steel appeared at a press conference with Mr. Firestone, Mr. Stephenson and other moderates to announce a new direction for the party.
Timing is critical.
The primary for the 2002 governor's race is just a year away and Republicans want to do as much damage as they can to Gov. Davis amid the energy crisis. And President Bush wants to get the party geared up for his re-election efforts in 2004. The party's increasing tilt to the right has made life difficult for Republican candidates. Outside the party, Mr. Cunneen is seen as a moderate. Inside, he is viewed as a liberal.