Tom McClintock - The conscience of a conservative?

MensNewsDaily ^ | Sept. 19, 2003 | Bob Chandra

[FairOpinion]

In recent days, Tom McClintock, the "other Republican" in California's recall race, has accepted a million dollars spent on his behalf by a left-wing special interest group. He has claimed that a Democrat victory in the recall election would be desirable, as it would better his chances in 2006. And he has joined with Democrat Cruz Bustamante in a boycott against fellow Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is the man we're supposed to believe represents the conscience of conservatism? At the end of the day, Tom McClintock's Faustian Pact with the Left has made one thing clear - it's all about Tom McClintock.

The $1 million to be spent on McClintock's behalf is by Indian gambling interests, a staunch Democratic special interest. I wrote about the possibility of left-wing special interests backing McClintock in order to divide Republicans several weeks back. Now it is a reality. The Sacramento Bee has announced that the Morongo tribe is spending $1 million to boost McClintock's candidacy and it's not because they want him to win. The money spent on McClintock is meant to split the Republican vote so their loyal servant, Democrat Cruz Bustamante, can emerge the winner. With enough left- wing money, McClintock can steal enough votes from Arnold to make that happen. Tom's win-at-any-cost mindset has him collaborating with leftist groups who want nothing more than a divided Right to throw the election to Bustamante. Does McClintock see that the Left is using him? Maybe there's a reason it's called "blind" ambition.

McClintock's partnership with the liberal special interests raises serious questions about his loyalty to the GOP. McClintock has said he puts his personal "principles" before the party. But there's a deeper reason McClintock doesn't care that his spoiler candidacy will doom Republicans in the recall race.

In a conversation with US Congressman Dan Burton, Tom McClintock said the following: he (McClintock) didn't mind it if Democrats win the gubernatorial race because it could improve his own chances in 2006. According to the Los Angeles Times, "Burton, one of the more conservative members of Congress, also said McClintock had seemed to suggest that it would be acceptable for a Democrat to hold the governor's office, because he might create a clamor for a Republican in 2006.". So that's what this is really about. If McClintock can't win, he can at least prevent the Republicans from winning so he has a better shot in 2006. Aren't we glad he's playing for our team?

McClintock is now collaborating with Cruz Bustamante to boycott the California Broadcasters Association's debate on the 24th as a means of showing up Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bustamante led the boycott charge on October 17th with McClintock soon followed his lead. When you see a Republican siding with a Democrat against a fellow Republican, you know something is wrong with the picture. Don't adjust your set- this is Tom McClintock, the self-styled conscience of conservatism.

As if things couldn't get any worse, McClintock is justifying his candidacy on a poll strategically conducted by the left-wing Los Angeles Times, which wants nothing more than to keep him in the race. That Times' poll has been debunked by Field and even invalidated by the Times' own reporting. It added 6% more self-identified conservatives than other polls and naturally gave McClintock an artificial 5% bump. But McClintock is clinging to this cooked poll, another leftist ploy, because it serves his interests.

What kind of a conservative lets left-wing interests drive his candidacy like this? The answer is a candidate who is so blind with ambition that he does not see how the Left is using him to their own ends. Thus far, McClintock has claimed he stands for principle, but it is obvious that his hopeless candidacy is based on personal ambition. It's no longer appropriate to view McClintock as merely a misguided crusader. He is a bigger threat to Republican victory on Election Day than Cruz Bustamante. Up until now, McClintock has responded to arguments for stepping aside with denial, delusion, and arrogance. Given his collaboration with the Left, Republicans must get serious with him. McClintock's "stalking horse" candidacy must come to an end.

[SteveH]

hehe ! :O)

But since JLO is a write-in, I know she can't win, so...

I'm changing my mind and decided to support Mary Carey!

;-)

[EternalVigilance]

The mindset of these so-called "conservatives" is dogma over people.

False. To believe that, you have to completely discount the value and utility of conservative principles.

The fact they are all missing here, is that there is a mandate from the people of California to remove the current governor and replace him. ?

We're not missing that obvious fact at all. Of course, I should remind you that it is still only a potential mandate, not a current one.

These "conservatives" are trying to steal the work done by the people of California, their attitude is either elect my guy, minority candidate or not, or screw the mandate.

By putting the word conservatives in quote you are calling into question the conservatism of all TM supporters. You have no basis for that whatsoever. However, it is easy to question the conservatism of FReepers who support a leftist like AS.

They simply do not believe that people can govern themselves, they believe that they know better, and that people should not be allowed to elect their own candidates.

That an outright lie, Luis.

They do not believe in the system the Founders set in place, and raise their political ideology above that system. Ironically, they try to sell that by calling themselves "constitutionalists".

And that is a damnable lie.

[SteveH]

Here it is in toto for everyone's convenience:

CALIFORNIA STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY OVERWHELMINGLY ENDORSES PROP 1A -
THE INDIAN SELF RELIANCE AMENDMENT

BURLINGAME, CA., February 6, 2000 -- The California Republican Party, at its
state convention in Burlingame on Sunday, voted to support Proposition 1A -
the Indian Self-Reliance Amendment. With more than 600 delegates in
attendance, the membership voted overwhelming to endorse the ballot measure
that will protect Indian gaming on Indian lands.

Speaking from the floor of the convention, state party chairman John McGraw
introduced the resolution and asked delegates to support Prop 1A saying, " I
have had the opportunity to actually visit a large number of Indian
reservations in this state and I can tell you I was more than shocked at the
state of living conditions that I saw. Prop 1A deserves our support to allow
Indian tribes to operate gaming on their own lands and to continue on the
road to self reliance."

"For most of the past century, Indians on reservations have lived in extreme
poverty, welfare dependency and despair," said McGraw. "Voter approval of
Prop 1A will ensure that Indian gaming can continue to eliminate welfare and
create jobs."

According to Prop 1A campaign co-chairman and Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
tribal chairman Anthony Pico, "the level of support from Republican delegates
as well as elected leaders for Prop 1A has been unprecedented and we are
grateful. The Republican Party demonstrated their commitment to inclusiveness
and to the belief that California's Indian people should have the economic
freedom to achieve self-reliance."

In a letter to delegates, nearly 40 Republican elected leaders urged support
of 1A including State Senate Republican Caucus chairman Jim Brulte; State
Assembly representatives Jim Battin, Brett Granlund, Dick Ackerman, Mike
Briggs, Bill Campbell, Dave Cox, Jim Cuneen, Dick Dickerson, Bob Margett, Rod
Pacheco, Robert Pacheco, Anthony Pescetti, George Runner, Charlene Zettel,
Keith Ohlberg, Bill Leonard, Ken Maddox, Abel Maldonado, Marilyn Brewer,
Howard Kaloogian and Peter Fruscetta; Secretary of State Bill Jones, State
Insurance Commissioner Bill Jones,  State Senators Ray Haynes, Maurice
Johannessen, John Lewis, Cathie Wright, Bruce McPherson and Ross Johnson.

Prop 1A allows California Indian tribes to continue regulated gaming on
federally-designated reservation lands to provide jobs and fund education,
economic development, cultural preservation, housing and health care programs
for tribal members. 

QUOTES FROM REPUBLICAN DELEGATES AND TRIBAL LEADERS

Republican delegate and tribal chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians Richard Milanovich said he was very pleased with the strong
support of the Republican party.

 "As a lifelong member of the Republican Party, it has meant a great deal to
see such a broad cross-section of Republicans from throughout the state come
forward with such tremendous support of Prop1A ," said Milanovich. "The
elimination of welfare dependency; the pride of being able to support
yourself and your family as well as making a positive contribution to your
community are basic to Republican principles. Tribal gaming has enabled
California tribes to erase welfare, create jobs, and provide badly needed
services to their reservations at no cost to taxpayers."

Republican delegate and Morongo Band of Mission Indians tribal council
member Damon Sandoval: "Prop 1A will to protect the economic survival of
Indian tribes. A YES vote on Prop 1A will make it clear once and for all that
Indian gaming on tribal lands has the legal protection of the state. It will
preserve California's tribes ability to continue the gaming that has provides
thousands of jobs, taken thousands of Indians off welfare and provided funds
not otherwise available of education, housing and health care for tribal
members."

Republican delegate and Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians Anthony Miranda:
"Without Prop 1A, tribes throughout the state will face a shutdown of their
tribal casinos. If Indian gaming in California were shut down, it would be
devastating for California Indians and bad for California taxpayers and our
state's economy."

Former Republican state party chairman Mike Schroeder: "If there is
anything that the Republican Party stands for it is keeping our word.
California tribes have been forced to live in terrible conditions of welfare
dependency, substandard healthcare and housing.
As a nation, we entered into treaties that made it clear that the Indian
people would determine what was best for their communities on their own
lands. Prop 1A, which will protect Indian self-reliance, deserves our
support."

Senator Bill Leonard: "I am urging support of Prop 1A. California Indian
tribes are our friends and neighbors and have contributed to our communities
and to our economy. The gaming they now operate on tribal lands was
authorized under federal law and it represents their ability to become
self-sufficient. The compacts that were negotiated specifically limit gaming
activities on Indian reservations. I have personally visited these
reservations and thanks to tribal gaming, they are now building health
clinics, schools, roads and more."

Prop 1A also received the official endorsement of the California Democratic
Party this past November as well as the endorsement of Governor Gray Davis,
Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, Senate President Pro Tem John Burton,
Attorney General Bill Lockyer and Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa and
many state Democratic lawmakers. The measure has received broad bi-partisan
support.

 

Release: Immediate

Contact: Waltona Manion (310)203-4605, Californians For Indian Self-Reliance

[Robert_Paulson2]

We would be better off without them in the party Luis.
... they bring their stridency to every issue, and use it to split off followers after themselves... driving away reasonable persons from the mainstream America.

It is past time for them to go... just like Pat B did... and this time, NOT come back. We will win more often without them... and be able to advance a conservative agenda, in half the time...

If they want their own way so bad... they need to be OUT of our party and off on their own, with their own "true conservative" candidates, where they can only harm themselves.

The idea that they are willing to let California DIE because it will be blamed on the democrats sometime in the future? Their nonchalance about how this will impact families, marriages and children of GOOD people living in this state? On a political level, we are seeing Dr. Mengele's attitude at work...

Repulsive people. . . and we need to run them out of the party.

[Saundra Duffy]

And he has joined with Democrat Cruz Bustamante in a boycott against fellow Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger

That's a lie so as far as I'm concerned, the rest is a lie, too. Go jump in a lake! Go, McClintock, the ONLY Republican in the race. www.helptom.com

[Saundra Duffy]

I, too, would rather see Bustamante win rather than Schwarzenkennedy. Reason? Bustamante will serve to UNITE Republicans. Schwarzenkennedy will DESTROY the CA GOP (just like Pete Wilson did). Remember?! Go, McClintock!! www.helptom.com

[Roscoe]

SteveH crushed their falsehood in post 223.

[Saundra Duffy]

It wasn't too long ago that Schwarzenkennedy said he was "ashamed" to be a Republican. Now he wants our support? By the way, Schwarzenkennedy refused to sign the Marriage Protection Pledge but McClintock signed it. In addition, Arnold called us supporters of Prop 54 "right wing crazies". Arnold will take away our gun rights; he's pro choice; and he has surrounded himself with liberal-to-moderates, both democrat and republican.

I am absolutely aghast at the support Schwarzenkennedy is getting here. Aghast!!

Go McClintock, the ONLY pro life conservative in the race. www.helptom.com

[EternalVigilance]

Repulsive people. . . and we need to run them out of the party.

As insulting and hateful towards conservatives as you are, having you here does have some usefulness.

How else would conservative Republicans unused to the battles we are fighting learn the true motives and feelings of leftwing Republicans, if you weren't here to lay it all out for them?

And like I've told you before, Robert, come get us, we're ready.

[Roscoe]

It wasn't too long ago that Schwarzenkennedy said he was "ashamed" to be a Republican.

He still is, but wearing the party label will help him advance his leftist agenda.

[Roscoe]

Conservatives plant the seed, till the soil, water the wheat, gather the grain, grind the flour and bake the bread. The RINOs just want to eat the bread.

[EternalVigilance]

No, they want to feed the bread to a bunch of Leftists.

[Roscoe]

"We want to make sure the mothers have affordable day care. We want to make sure the older folks have their care that they need. That everything has to be provided for the people." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger

[strela]

He states that having the Democrats win would set himself up for a win in 2006, which is completely dillusional.

Do you suppose that McWampum has seen the movie "The Mouse That Roared" one too many times? In it, the leadership of the tiny Grand Duchy of Fenwick had much the same idea - start a war with the United States, be completely crushed in said war, then accept all the foreign aid and largesse that the US typically doles out to the losing side in said wars.

Well, the Democrats are not going to have a Marshall Plan in place for the people of California if Cruz Bustamante wins. Just more taxes, more of the same tax-and-spend social largesse, more social engineering, and continued cessation of people's rights that they have always stood for. And, McWampum's despicable actions and his bending over in the shower for the same people who helped Gray Davis will be a big part of the reason why.

[SteveH]

EXCELLENT editorial

In related developments, it was discovered on the conservative and libertarian website FreeRepublic that the California Republican Party and several Indian tribes, including the Moronga band, joined forces in 2000 to support passage of Proposition 1A, the Indian Self Reliance Amendment.

Republican co-sponsors included state party chairman John McGraw, State Senate Republican Caucus chairman Jim Brulte; State Assembly representatives Jim Battin, Brett Granlund, Dick Ackerman, Mike Briggs, Bill Campbell, Dave Cox, Jim Cuneen, Dick Dickerson, Bob Margett, Rod Pacheco, Robert Pacheco, Anthony Pescetti, George Runner, Charlene Zettel, Keith Ohlberg, Bill Leonard, Ken Maddox, Abel Maldonado, Marilyn Brewer, Howard Kaloogian and Peter Fruscetta; Secretary of State Bill Jones, State Insurance Commissioner Bill Jones, State Senators Ray Haynes, Maurice Johannessen, John Lewis, Cathie Wright, Bruce McPherson and Ross Johnson.

Political commentator Bob Chandra had the following to say about these endorsements:

"Those Republican leaders' partnership with the liberal special interests raise serious questions about their loyalty to the GOP."

[BibChr]

Saundra, so many palpable untruths, I am truly disappointed. You can disagree without misrepresenting and slandering.

Tell me why I plan to vote for Schwarzenegger.

Show me where he said he was ashamed to be a Republican, period, unqualified. I don't think he ever did. But he has often said how proud he is to be a Republican, and has for YEARS been a VERY VISIBLE Republican in an industry that (as you well know) LOATHES Republicans.

The only pro-life candidate? What do you know of Howard Phillips' party? Does it not have a candidate in this race? If so, THAT person is the one you would find to be the most ideologically pure, if that is ALL you want.

Hoping for better from you,
Dan

[Victoria Delsoul]

What politician do you know that DOESN'T have a "conceited attitude?"

Well, Arnold is affable, approachable, sincere, humble, easygoing, likeable…. but you're right, he is not a politician.

[Saundra Duffy]

Schwarzenkennedy could NOT win in a Republican primary. It's just amazing to me that any conservative would even consider voting for a pro abortion, pro gun control, pro radical gay agenda kind of guy like Schwarzenkennedy who has surrounded himself with liberals, both democrats and republicans, some of whom think we don't pay enough taxes. Warren Buffet - the second richest man in America, behind Bill Gates - he's advising Schwarzenkennedy. Buffet said he thinks Californians don't pay enough taxes?!! Then Arnold scolds him and goes on the air saying he doesn't agree with Buffet on the Prop 13 issue!! Then why did Arnold bring that guy on board? Arnold called us supporters of Prop 54 "right wing crazies". Enough is enough. I can't believe any person in his right conservative mind would vote for Schwarzenkennedy. Go, McClintock! www.helptom.com

[Roscoe]

Schwarzenkennedy could NOT win in a Republican primary.

After he loses the recall, maybe he can run for a non-partisan position, like mayor. Berkeley's a possibility.

[onyx]

I cannot imagine supporting an unrepentant Tom McClintock in any primary ever again. And I very much doubt I am alone in that.

You're correct, you're NOT alone!