The problem with California's boobs (as it applies to republicans) rests with their leadership. California republicans are more than willing to vote for conservative issues and candidates, it's just that the leadership isn't there to help provide or support those issues or candidates.
It was the leadership that convinced Schwarzenegger to run. When they did so, it completely short-circuited the ability for conservative candidates to gain traction.
When Simon ran in the last general election before the recall, the GOP leadership in the state did not support him financially. Even so, he made a very good showing and came quite close to pulling it off. If the leadership had supported Simon in deed and with cash, it's very likely he would have won.
That would have made the recall unnecessary.
California's conservative voters are more often than not, manipulated by a leadership that seemingly would be more at home at the state level DNC office, than their own.
We have to face the reality that California is a very liberal state.
I'm okay with Arnold being elected because that's the best we could get at the time.
Also, BETWEEN elections CA Consevatives brag that they can win if only.... Then we put-up lame candidates who go out and run miserable campaigns eg. Fong, Lundgren, Simon, Jones, etc., etc., etc....