Early Primary, Giuliani, and McCain

• Bill Simon, who lost to Gov. Gray Davis in 2002, is playing a valuable role for Rudy Giuliani, the Republican presidential candidate (pictured with Simon). The Los Angeles financier "is a crucial player in persuading social conservatives across the nation to embrace a divorced mayor who favors legal abortion, gay rights and gun control." Sacramento Bee.


• Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign legislation tomorrow moving the California presidential primary to Feb. 5. Meanwhile, Republicans are exploring a change to party rules that would allow independent voters to participate in the GOP presidential nomination here, like with the California Democratic Party.
  

• Fresno Mayor Alan Autry endorses U.S. Sen. John McCain for president.

(Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images)