As if things weren't bad enough for GOP Guv candidate Bill Simon, he was completely ignored by Cheney during the Veep's one-day swing through California. At one point, they were only several blocks apart, but Simon was clearly instructed to keep his distance.

In fact, Cheney didn't even mention Simon by name. The Bush Administration claims it still supports Simon, but the real test will come later this month during the first of several scheduled Bush visits.