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.

[thoughtomator]

Your standard is fraudulently high, and you know it. Why don't you name the last controversial measure to be passed by such a small minority in any legislature, at any time during the history of the United States?

The only thing the GOP could do in the CA Senate was act as a bulwark against new taxes that required a 2/3 majority to pass. This they did... do you not appreciate that they consistently opposed new taxation?

Oh... I forgot. You're an (R)nold fan... so you don't mind taxation. D'oh!

[EternalVigilance]

If that is true then it must say a lot about McClinton. Schwartzenneger has more than twice the number of Republicans planning to vote for him as McClinton.

Don't know anyone on the ballot named 'McClinton'.

But if you are derisively referring to Senator McClintock, I doubt your assertion greatly.

[Bonaparte]

"Frankly, I think most Republicans think its about time for crosseyed Tom to figure out he is supposed to beat the Democrats and start campaigning against Bustamante and for the recall, two things he has been neglecting since he entered the race."
_________________________________________________________________

McClintock filed his candidacy on August 5, 2003. The very next day, the following appeared in the Ventura County Star:

And with that, McClintock the candidate was off and running, talking about a California under his stewardship and why Gov. Gray Davis needs to be booted from office.

So, contrary to what you have claimed, McClintock did not "neglect" to campaign for Davis' recall "since he entered the race." He started campaigning for Davis' removal from office right from the start of his own candidacy back in early August.

In fact, he was campaigning for Davis' recall long before that.

Back in July, who showed up to deliver the most fiery speech at the huge Recall Davis Rally?

McClintock.

Who was MIA at that rally?

Schwarzenegger was... just as he was absent at the debate.
_______________________________________________________________

Dave S: "...and start campaigning... against Bustamante"

Since he entered the race, McClintock has repeatedly slammed Bustamante:

McClintock Blasts Bustamante for Tax Increase Proposal (8/21/03)

And on September 11 McClintock made it crystal clear that Bustamante's defeat was the overriding goal:

"My support would go to Arnold if it looks like Arnold's the only hope of stopping Cruz Bustamante, and I think Arnold's support would come to me if our momentum continues and they realize they can actually have their first choice and he can win," [said McClintock].

[Dave S]

But if you are derisively referring to Senator McClintock, I doubt your assertion greatly.

Doubt all you want but look at the breakout of poll results by political affiiation. Arnold has a much greater percentage of the Republican vote than Tom. In addition, he has a bigger share of the Independents than Tom has of the Republicans. He is close to having the same of the Dems.

Also in the straw poll at Republican convention Arnold got 82%. Where is your proof that McClinton could even win a Republican primary other than having a few zealots here on FR.

[Dave S]

Your standard is fraudulently high, and you know it. Why don't you name the last controversial measure to be passed by such a small minority in any legislature, at any time during the history of the United States?

You still havent addressed how McClinton would turn this financial mess around in California. You do understand as governor, he would be responsible for getting a budget approved? Why are we to believe that he can do now what he couldnt for twenty years? Guess that is why your candidate has switched from wanting to win and wanting the recall to pass, to just keeping the reigns of power from Arnold.

[Roscoe]

Since he entered the race, McClintock has repeatedly slammed Bustamante:

It doesn't how many times you prove that with articles and links; they'll resurrect their fraudulent talking point soon.

[Roscoe]

Also in the straw poll at Republican convention Arnold got 82%.

The convention didn't hold a straw poll. A couple of Arnold groupies claimed they asked people in a hallway.

[EternalVigilance]

Doubt all you want but look at the breakout of poll results by political affiiation. Arnold has a much greater percentage of the Republican vote than Tom.

Those poll numbers are already ancient in terms of a race like this. But in any case, you specifically said that AS had more than twice as many as Tom. I don't think that's the case. You'll have to back up that assertion.

In addition, he has a bigger share of the Independents than Tom has of the Republicans.

Not surprising early in a race like this when you consider the celebrity factor.

He is close to having the same of the Dems.

Arnold might give Cruz a run for his money with Dems. Not surprising either. IMO, Cruz is toast anyhow.

Also in the straw poll at Republican convention Arnold got 82%.

Quit using that; it's a phony argument. That supposed strawpoll has no validity whatsoever.

Where is your proof that McClinton could even win a Republican primary other than having a few zealots here on FR.

Why can't you call him by his name? Tom McClintock has about one in five voters in California right now, if you believe the polling at all. He has plenty of room for growth, considering the fact that he is the only one who has had a broad, substantial, issues-based attack against the current regime from the beginning, and because the issues he has pounded from the beginning are the very issues at the heart of the recall.

[thoughtomator]

Any governor can ultimately force a legislative coalition with less than a 2/3 majority to capitulate on budget issues if he is able to publicly articulate his case better than the opposition. A State Senator doesn't have that power, and no conservative has had that power in California in quite some time, so it's disingenuous to blame the minority party for the failures of the majority party.

The part of the GOP that did fail was the party apparatus. Its dalliance with liberalism cost it the moral authority necessary to convince the electorate of the virtues of conservatism, and thus to gain a majority in the lawmaking body.

[Dave S]

Any governor can ultimately force a legislative coalition with less than a 2/3 majority to capitulate on budget issues if he is able to publicly articulate his case better than the opposition.

Well lucky for you, Tom will never have to prove you right. He will never become governor of California.

[Roscoe]

Capitol Resource Institute (CRI), California’s leading pro-family organization, released today the results of a straw poll between candidates for Governor conducted at the California Republican Party’s convention in Los Angeles.

CRI conducted the only straw poll to be open on Friday and Saturday through the speeches by both of the major Republican candidates, giving an equal chance for their supporters to cast votes.

“While our poll obviously will not reflect the preferences of the voting population at large, we believe that it is a good snapshot of the feelings of the party activists” said Karen England, Program Director for Capitol Resource Institute.

Candidates Arianna Huffington, Peter Cameo, and even Cruz Bustamante received a handful of votes from the predominantly Republican visitors to the CRI booth. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom McClintock received almost identical numbers of votes.

“It should be noted that we encouraged anybody who passed by to stop and vote,” said England. “Even Democratic Party activist Bob Mulholland came by the booth. Unfortunately, we could not get him to cast a vote.”

The only limitation put on voters was that they had to obtain a CRI issued California Driver’s License, bearing the name “Elle Legal,” in an obvious criticism of Governor Davis’ recent signing of SB 60, a measure that would make it easier for illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license.

“While the vote was by secret ballot, both the McClintock and Schwarzenegger supporters were passionate in showing support for their respective candidates.”

The results of the poll conducted on Friday and Saturday are as follows:

Tom McClintock 49.5% of the vote

Arnold Schwarzenegger 48.4%

Cruz Bustamante 0.7%

Arianna Huffington 0.5%

William Tsangares 0.4%

Peter Camejo 0.2%

Larry Flynt 0.2%

John Zellhoefer 0.2%

Bill Simon 0.2%

http://www.christian-connection.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index

[Bonaparte]

"Of course, I totally disagree with his [Schwarzenegger's] statement about impeachment, and am appalled at his having said that, can't imagine why he would."

You don't need to "imagine" anything. It's clear from Arnold's widely quoted comments that he considered Clinton's perjury and obstruction of justice to be minor offenses that are excusable in the President of the United States. Arnold characterized these crimes as mere "human failure."

It speaks volumes about Arnold's character. He approves of homosexuality and wants government to enhance its status in society. He approves of the killing of the unborn and wants to ensure that you and I continue to fund it through our taxes. And he obviously approved of keeping a law-breaking president in office.

This is the guy you're cheering on.

[thoughtomator]

Ah, the old "unelectable" chant in stealth form. If winning is all that matters to you, why aren't you a Democrat?

[EternalVigilance]

Amazing, isn't it?

[strela]

If winning is all that matters to you, why aren't you a Democrat?

"Winning isn't everything, but losing isn't anything."
Charles Schulz

[Godebert]

Arnold Schwarzenegger's views in his own words:

Pro Gun Control

• "I'm for gun control. I'm a peace-loving guy." (Time magazine cover story, Aug 18, 2003) When interviewed on the issues by Sean Hannity on August 27th, Schwarzenegger admitted that he is for gun control. He said he supported both the Brady Bill and the ban on so-called "assault weapons." He said, "Also I would like to close the loophole of the gun shows." When asked by the Sacramento Bee to detail his positions on gun issues (scroll down), Arnold stated that he supports legislation to ban .50-caliber rifles, force gun buyers to pass a state-defined test in order to purchase a handgun, and require load indicators or magazine safety disconnects on new semiauto handguns.
• Pro Abortion
  Schwarzenegger appeared on FoxNews' "Bill O'Reilly" program in May 2001 and said he disagreed with President Bush's pro-life position. "I'm for choice," Schwarzenegger said on the program. "The women should have the choice. The women should decide what they want to do with their bodies. I'm all for that." When interviewed on the issues by Sean Hannity on August 27th, Schwarzenegger admitted again that he is "pro-choice".
• Pro Gay Agenda
  From Cosmopolitan magazine, "I have no sexual standards in my head that say this is good or this is bad. Homosexual-that only means to me that he enjoys sex with a man and I enjoy sex with a woman. It's all legitimate to me." He also supports gay adoption, despite the fact that both conservative Republicans and moderate Democrats voted by a 61 percent margin for Proposition 22, the Defense of Marriage Initiative, which defined marriage as that between a man and a woman. (Newsmax, 28 July 2003)
  When interviewed on the issues by Sean Hannity on August 27th, Schwarzenegger admitted that he is for legalized "domestic partnerships" which would give gay couples the same benefits as marriage.
• Pro Big Government Programs
  Regarding the passage of Proposition 49, a big government social scheme providing funds for after school programs: "Every California child deserves access to a proven, quality, life-changing afterschool program, and now they will have it. My hope is that, as goes California, so goes the rest of our nation." When interviewed on the issues by Sean Hannity on August 27th, Schwarzenegger said that he believes that social programs should be focused on children. He said, "I think the important thing, again, is that we work on education and really make sure that the kids have the first run at our treasury."
  In the same interview with Hannity, Schwarzenegger said that he supports big government programs to buy back leases as a measure to protect the environment. He said, "I think that our state government and our federal government should negotiate to buy back the leases [from the oil companies.]"
  
• Pro Environmentalist Agenda
  When a reporter asked him in early August to detail his positions on the environment, he said "I will fight for the environment. Nothing to worry about."
  When interviewed on the issues by Sean Hannity on August 27th, Schwarzenegger said he did not support offshore oil drilling. He said, "No, absolutely not. I think that we should stop the oil drilling and I think that our state government and our federal government should negotiate to buy back the leases [from the oil companies.]"
  
• Pro Clinton/Anti Impeachment
  In 1999, Schwarzenegger told George magazine of his bitterness about the frenzy over Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton and the waste of time and energy it represented. "That was another thing I will never forgive the Republican Party for," he said. "I was ashamed to call myself a Republican during that period."
  
• Soft on Illegal Immigration
  In a radio interview with KABC radio host Larry Elder on August 27th, Schwarzenegger said that allowing illegal immigrants to stay in the United States is "the right thing to do." Last year, while campaigning for his Prop. 49 after-school programs initiative, Schwarzenegger...declared in answer to a question from the audience: "I would never stand in the way of any child going to school, whether he or she is here legally or illegally, it does not matter." (Sacramento Bee, 24 August)

238 posted on 09/08/2003 9:36 PM EDT by Godebert

[Roscoe]

Vote for Arnold, win the booby prize.

[thoughtomator]

The only losers from this recall will be liberals in the GOP.

[Godebert]

The main thing I enjoy about the Kalifornia recall election is that it's smoked-out the liberals on this forum. You just can't can't much more liberal than Arnold. Read what he said about the Clinton impeachment. That's the dead give-away that he's a Clintonista liberal. Makes it all the more funny when you liberals refer to the Conservative as "McClintock".

[Godebert]

Ooops...sorry Roscoe, I didn't mean to include you in that comment.