I will answer your retorical questions with data that should put your Out-Of-State mind at ease.Is California a largely liberal state?
Apart from the Berzerkly legend, absolutely not. Read this;
1994 - Proposition #184: Three-strikes, life imprisonment for repeat felons.
1994 - Proposition #187: Cut off state funds for Illegal Aliens.
1996 - Proposition #209: Ended statewide Affirmative Action
1998 - Proposition #227: Ended bilingual education
2000 - Proposition #22: Defined marriage as one man - one woman.
These aren't moderate stances that passed overwhelmingly. These don't appeal to both sides, and they don't straddle any fences. They also don't involve trusting a Republican candidate to implement their wishes, its simply voting on law and when they don't have to trust a RINO like Pete Wilson, they turn out big time. Republicans lose here because they don't have confidence in their message, and they try to throw nuggets to the Berkeley types, and the "red" counties outside of LA/San Fran stay home.
Is McClintock conservative?
Read his speeches, judge for yourself . There is a very good reason why he got more votes for a down ticket office than Simon did for Gov against the hated Gray Davis. He offers a contrast, he also offers the articulation of conservatism like few others. The polls don't show it yet, but if you know it alls let us sort out our own affairs, we will surprise you.