Excellent point. In many races the Democrats wind up "bribing" their way into office using public money, because the Republicans offer dishwater candidates. It's a danged shame that we are wasting two powerful candidates on one race, as you note are here tonight in California.
I agree with you and other posters that there must be a future for McClintock in California or national politics. Too much talent to let go. (He does have to learn to talk less like an accountant or college prof, though.)