Still, the indirect consequences on the rest of us may be substantial. First, and most obviously, California has been a breeding ground for politicians of national import. Those of us in the "other 49" have, I think, a legitinmate interest in the career paths of California politicians from that standpoint. Somewhat more subtley, it is a fact (however lamentable) that California is a trendsetter. Elect a Governor who is pro-abortion, anti-Second Amendment rights, anti-tax cut, etc., and the influence will, at least to some extent, tend to spread to the east.
So I make no apologies for injecting my opinion into the electoral affairs of a state 3,000 miles to my west. The ouster of Governor Davis, and the defeat of Bustamonte, while admittedly not as immediately important to us in North Carolina as they are to you in California, are nonetheless of legitimate interest. And your opinions, and those of all FReepers, on elections in North Carolina are welcome, as well.
I agree that California is a trend setter, and I concur with the group as seeing McClintock with no chance, none, but I see a new trend. A new Republican Party, willing to accept some compromise on platform issues, open to new ideas, tolerant of diversity amoung all humans, unity as a people with petty differences set aside for a common goal. A Ghengis Khan for our time. Create a groundswell wave of Republicans that are outspoken, but tolerant, fair but severe and brave, always brave, and belittling the democrats in righteous indignation at every turn.