McClintock Facing Republican Threats?

Belly of the Beast Blog ^ | August 24, 2004 | Eric Hogue

[Eric Hogue 1380 KTKZ]

Now that Bill Simon has left the building, State Senator Tom McClintock currenlty has the 'only growing campaign'. I'm reading the LA Times article on Simon's departure this morning and I find this nugget of political muscle.

[Eric Hogue 1380 KTKZ]

"...Allan Hoffenblum, a longtime Republican strategist, said McClintock would come under "enormous pressure" to stand aside in favor of the actor. "He's a maverick and he's an independent cuss," Hoffenblum said of McClintock. "But he's also up for reelection next year." Hoffenblum noted that McClintock could face a stiff challenge from Democratic Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara. "He's going to need to raise enormous amounts of money in that battle," the analyst said, suggesting that Republican donors could try to squeeze McClintock to get out of the gubernatorial race..."

You talk about your "stupid party tactics"! Here we have nothing more than a threat from Hoffenblum - a threat that could cost California a seat in the State Senate IF McClintock doesn't win the governor's race.

Are we trying to clear the field for Arnold by using muscle tactics that hurt the people of California? Hoffenblum owes Tom McClintock and the people of the recall an apology - right now! Stop the 'stupid party tricks', this is what has lead the GOP to its wimpified stature in the Golden State. Try acting like the Republican Party and stop aligning with the tactics of the Democrat Party - the party of control!

[old school]

Amen to that!

[4Liberty]

Aw, Hell. But - the bigger problem for Tom is that this "snap" election.

It just does not allow for enough time Tom to (1) raise money & (2) produce the ads, run the ads, etc. Arnold HAS the money, RIGHT NOW.

Unfortunately.

....This is a tough decision for Tom. Even though he IS the best qualified candidate!!

[Kevin Curry]

Prepare to get whacked on the shins by the Schwarzenpubbies. Their motto: "He may be a Clinton-praising, gun-hating, gay activist high-fiving, abortion-excusing, social program-loving liberal, but he's OUR Clinton-praising, gun-hating, gay activist high-fiving, abortion-excusing, social progam-loving liberal."

[beckett]

McClintock has no chance of winning. He should withdraw at a time that is calculated to give the most benefit to the Schwarzenegger campaign.

[Roscoe]

The press can always depend on Allan Hoffenblum for clueless soundbites.

[Political Junkie Too]

I think McClintock should stay in for at least a few more weeks. We don't know what will happen to the Schwarzenneger campaign once the "real" mud begins to fly. Also, as Schwarzenegger begins to further detail his platform and he takes attacks on it, we may need a safety valve in the end if Schwarzenegger looks like he will go down for the count.

Bottom line: it's too early for McClintock to bail. Save it for the final weeks when one or the other can throw their endorsement the other way.

-PJ

[Roscoe]

Arnold HAS the money, RIGHT NOW.

When he drops out in favor of Tom he can make a donation.

[RobbyS]

This business might give McClintock some needed exposure. How good is he on TV?

[Flashman_at_the_charge]

We all know that Tom is the best man for the job. What saddens me is that some on FR seem to value celebrity over qualifications.

McClintock Statement on Withdrawal of Candidate Bill Simon

Senator Tom McClintock today released the following statement:

"I am genuinely sorry that Bill Simon is dropping out of the race. He offered a perspective to the debate that will be missed. But his decision to withdraw intensifies my resolve to stay and fight.

"At stake in this campaign, is the future of California - and that decision belongs to the people of California and must not be left to the country club back rooms. If the most qualified candidate must defer every time a celebrity or a millionaire casts a longing eye on public office, we’ve lost something very important in our democracy, and it’s called merit.

"They said that War Admiral couldn’t be beat and shouldn't have to run a race against the likes of Seabiscuit. Let me assure everyone that I am one horse that is in this race to the finish line."

[4Liberty]

heh, heh!

[Mike Darancette]

As a good Republican Conservative this puts me in a quandary because I so hate to look to polls. But, if Arnold is way ahead in October I'll have to choke down my bile and vote for him over McClintock.

The one that pisses me off is Ueberroth, this guy is a pro Feinswine RAT in disguise, he even called her to attempt to convince her to enter the race failing then he got her permission to run himself to siphon off GOP votes.

[AmericaUnited]

Grow up Eric! Life is not fare.

The prettiest girl does not always become the Prom Queen. The best qualified person does not always get the promotion. The "best product" does not automaticaly become the sales leader.

McClintock is the Perot of this election at this point and is being a useful idiot for the other side. He needs to "grow up", stop being so selfish and self-centered, and realize that. Simon's stature went up 50 points in my eyes.

[EGPWS]

Prepare to get whacked on the shins by the Schwarzenpubbies. Their motto: "He may be a Clinton-praising, gun-hating, gay activist high-fiving, abortion-excusing, social program-loving liberal, but he's OUR Clinton-praising, gun-hating, gay activist high-fiving, abortion-excusing, social progam-loving liberal."

But..but..he has an "R" after his name! Can a "R"ino be that bad? /sarcasm

[cyncooper]

Check out McClintock's statement at this post.

Has he anything to say about Davis or Bustamante, one wonders?

[Roscoe]

McClintock is the Perot of this election

Backwards. Perot was an empty suit, just like Arnold.

[AmericaUnited]

We all know that Tom is the best man for the job.

Hello! It's grow up time. Life is not always fare. See my # 14.

[old school]

Sleazy is as sleazy does! How does what "the dirty-tricks" operatives of the democrat party differ from the tactics of republican party opereatives? Hmmm, one doesn't have to think too long about that one! Fortunately, many of us are not affiliated with either of those parties, and won't be, as long as, they remain substantively un-differentiated!

[EGPWS]

How good is he on TV?

EXCELLENT! IMHO as an out of stater.