[XJarhead]

Uh, because it is a ridiculous hypothetical at best. People here have little tolerance for absurd propositions.

A "silent swing" obviously is a fantasy. What is not is the general proposition that this is the best chance of electing a conservative in California. It's the best argument for voting for McClintock, even if it isn't enough in the end to be persuasive.

Many others are hostile towards those who will ensure that RAT control of Californica's statehouse continues. That is the certain result of conservatives sticking with Mc.

It's the nastiness, the "hostility", that is misplaced. The initial post on this thread may have been fanciful, but it wasn't obnoxious, didn't attack anyone personally, and didn't even attack Arnold. Too many people have demonized people on the other side. The McClintock supporters may be misguided or wrong, but in general, they are not your philosophical opponents. It's too bad things have sunk to this level here.

Arnold is the only Republican who would draw support from non-Republicans...

Generally, that's true. Which is precisely what could have given McClintock a chance.

...and none can win without that support.

That's where you're wrong. A conservative who can't get non-Republican support can win if Dems and Indies give a lot of support to Arnold. McClintock can only win in a three way race where someone takes votes away from the Dem, and that's what we have here.

The real problem that the McClintock supporters won't admit is that their guy just isn't a great candidate. He's plenty conservative, but he lacks the charisma that might have convinced more Republicans in the state that he could win. That's a reality that can't be changed no matter how right he may be on the issues, and no matter whether its theoretically possible for a conservative to win.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I see NO chance of a conservative winning a statewide office in Californica. NONE.

Hostility and nastiness in this regard are indeed misplaced and I try not to add to them. If I fail in this regard please whack me. It is true I have little patience with "true believers" who are blind to realities and do consider them dangerous but will try to not make it personal. But I do consider them my enemies since their actions will prevent progress in many areas and I consider some quite wrong in most of their political philosophy.

McC could only win if ALL republicans voted for him and the others split theirs almost equally. It is crucial to split the RAT vote. THAT is the most important part of this whole affair. Breaking up the automatic 35% RAT vote is the only chance for Republican success in Cali. As long as that remains the RATS will win every time. Who helps break it up is not important but that will NEVER be a hard core conservative.

Not being a Californian my only interest in this is in the damage it can do to the RAT machine and the positive effect it will have on Bush's 04 run. Arnold as governor would have a tremendously positive impact on his chances in California and spell enormous trouble for the RATS. McC winning would have almost NO impact as far as I can see.