Get real yourself.
From statewide results of the 2002 election here
Tom McClintock 3,136,333 votes 45.1%: Party: Republican
and that's with a primary.
Now McClintock doesn't need 50%, or 40%, he just needs more than Bustamante.
Some folks fall into believing the propaganda from their own side.
;-)
His 45% was with no other Republican in the race.
And, in case you didn't check, TOM LOST THAT ELECTION.
Now he's #2, AMONG REPUBLICANS, and you think he's got a snowball's chance? Again, get real.