Go Arnie
You are correct. In any event, the discussion about ideology on this thread, and so many others, is pointless; Tom has another week, or two at the most, to prove that he cannot get his numbers close enough to Arnold's to make a serious challenge. He will then step aside in Arnold's favor. He will work for Arnold and campaign for him.
In return, he will have the California GOP completely in his corner next year, including serious financial support, including a grateful Governor Schwarzenegger, when he makes his run against Barbara Boxer for the US Senate. That's where he's looking, even now. He is too smart not to know that he cannot beat Arnold.
We always think of liberalism as advancing incrementally, getting "the nose of the camel into the tent" and before we know it, the whole camel is inside. That's what Arnold could be for conservatism in California. We'll see.
But never doubt, Tom McClintock will withdraw in favor of AS within 2 weeks.