[AmericanInTokyo]

The solution may be this.

First, we must accept the fact that the Schwarzenegger camp and the candidate himself feel they are several cards short of a royal flush. This is extremely tempting to them. They thirst and hunger for a dropout of their main opponent, to propel them within reach of the goal. The dropout of Conservative Senator Tom McClintock. As anyone knows in sales and bargaining anywhere worldwide, the bargaining party that stands to gain the most should be willing to be flexible, albeit for a price, to secure it's wishes. That party in this case is Mr. Schwarzenegger and his supporters and the traditional Republican Party Elite. On the other hand, Tom McClintock can look at the numbers and come to the conclusion that more than likely the Democrats will retain power. But he stands in the gap for millions of conservative voters not only in California, but nationwide, who do NOT want their voices to be lost if a RINO were to take charge. Accordingly, by the end of the weekend with a little over one week left in the game, I call upon the Senator to enter discussions with Mr. Schwarzenegger to 'seal the deal.' Here is the possible deal, other approximations or ideas could be entertained, but it is a starting template.

Arrangement #1: Sen. Tom McClintock will withdraw from the gubernatorial re-call race and issue a clear endorsement of Arnold Schwarzenegger and will insist that all of his supporters turn out in droves on 7 October or cast absentee ballots for Arnold Schwarzenegger. By most polls (with the minority liberal candidate Bustamante predictably 'over polling' at the moment), it is within the realm of possibility that as a Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger will be elected.

If we are to take Mr. Schwarzenegger at his word, he has recently and graciously extended somewhat of an olive branch to Mr. McClintock, in the spirit and words of "let's work together. Let's have a partnership." In reciprocating, McClintock kept most of his wrath in public forum towards the liberal Democratic toady, while staying on message and clear-cut about his own conservative and unshakeable philosophies. Bravo.

This is a good start and a basis to encourage this kind of Arnold-Tom discussion in the next few strategic days.

Arrangement #2: Mr. Schwarzenegger will graciously, and very publicly accept this key strategic concession and endorsement. His supporters will cease attacks upon Mr. McClintock and Mr. McClintock's supporters will cease attacks upon Mr. Schwarzenegger. All parties will turn out in vigor to vote on Election Day.

Agreement #3: In a equally major concession to Tom McClintock and his formidable conservative base, [which deserve a voice and influence], which shall derive assurances and benefits; to-wit, if elected as Governor by recall on October 7th, Governor-elect Schwarzenegger shall cede to Senator McClintock the selection and nominating rights of the following gubernatorial appointed positions, and shall not veto the names of those Californians brought forth by Mr. McClintock:

--Public Employee Retirement System Director,

--State Personnel Board Commission,

--State Board of Education,

--(abolish) Racial Profiling Panel of the Outreach and Diversity Task Force,

--Secretary Health and Human Services Agency,

--Chairman, Statewide Health and Planning Agency

--Director of the Department of Health Services

--Heads of the Maternal and Child Health, the Office of Family Planning, and the Office of Women's Health

Agreement #4:Provided Mr. McClintock were to enter the Republican primary for United States Senator from the State of California in the next general election, Mr. Schwarzenegger would offer an early and irretrievable endorsement of him.

The stakes are high. A 'win-win', in order to secure the state against the Democrats at the same time adding IRON CLAD assurance to conservatives that they will be a strong force and factor in any Republican Administration, can be achieved. The template can vary. Both parties have to start from somewhere.

There are risks and giving involved in this. For Tom, he loses the prospect of becoming Governor. But wait. He may well be United States Senator in a short period from now, in addition to wielding good force in the selection of key personnel. For Arnold, he faces the prospect of losing Maria (half joke, half serious here), but he comes into striking range of becoming Governor. Without a concession on his part, this will not become a reality.

I suggest that if conservatives cannot be granted concessions as I have suggested, there is no use in voting for Schwarzenegger, and they should go to the polls in droves to support Tom McClintock, to send a strong message to the polls and media that a potent, and huge conservative voting base in California remains intact.

Now it's time to sit down, loosen the ties, have a cigar or two, and start horse-trading.

[Cousin Eddie]

Are you saying I should I vote for Tom Arnold?...oooopps, one too many beers.

[pgyanke]

Riiiiiiiight. I see this happening. It's a nice thought but if (R)nold is governor--he's governor. You don't turn over your authority to someone else.

I like McClintock but this isn't in the realm of political reality.

[reagandemocrat]

Sounds good to me.

RD

[Roscoe]

A verbal agreement isn't worth the paper it's written on.

[ElkGroveDan]

For one, a RINO is NOT a "moderate-centrist". The term was coined by Celeste Greig of the California Republican Assembly in 1993 to describe LA Mayor Richard Riordan. Riordan was a Republican In Name Only. That means there is no aspect of being Republican can be relied upon by the guy. At any momment he might turn around and endorse or give money to a liberal Democrat. He might suggest outrageaous far-left policies suggest as rounding up guns door-to-door. That's what a RINO is.

Liberal Arnold has given every indication that he is a RINO, not a moderate centrist. Lets start with his environmental policy written by Robert Kennedy Jr.. His opposiiton to Prop 54 advanced by moderate-centrist Ward Connerly is another RINO indication. His calling opponents of government categorizing people by race as "right-wing crazies" is another RINO indication. Connerly is prettay dang moderate. There is no room to the left of him in the Republican Party.

Finally, if Arnold really cared about the Republican party he would step aside and let the guy who supports the party and has for 20 years win. He'd let the guys who supports the paltform win.

We have gotten so close. It is too bad that one man with a huge ego is ruining it all. Please, please Arnold. See the light. Drop out before it is too late.

If you want a winning deal, Tom might be willing to consider appointing Arnold to something he's qualified for, like an office to stimulate the movie industry or as liasion to the bricklayers union. A deal COULD happen, but someone has to call Tom and ask him.

[EGPWS]

Now it's time to sit down, loosen the ties, have a cigar or two, and start horse-trading.

Me thinks it aint going to happen, for it would have come to this conclusion already.

[randog]

How about Arnold offering Tom a plumb appointment, like Ambassador to Susanville?

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Too late. He blew it.

[My dog Sam]

McClintock is the only candidate who has emphatically come out for the 2nd Amendment and gun rights.

I ONLY vote for strong 2nd Amendment supporters.

If Tom bails then there is no reason for me to vote because I will not vote for anyone other than a strong 2nd Amendment supporting Conservative.

For all of you who complain that by my not voting for any electable Republican (RINO)I am,in effect, throwing my vote away, consider this.

I vote my principles, come hell or high water, because they are my principles and are important to me. If it is so important to you that a Republican win this recall, then why don't you give on your principles and vote for Tom?

eh????

[Luke Skyfreeper]

I don't know about the details, but in broad strokes I'd say you've definitely got the right idea. There is too much at stake here for Republicans to elect Bustamante. I suggest you send your suggestions to the campaigns of both parties, but you might emphasize more the major point here than your specific proposed details. The major point is: Schwarzennegger and McClintock must come to some kind of compromise deal. We must have unity going into this. Bustamante must not be elected.

[dinok]

The Republican Party decided some time ago to move away from its conservative roots and choose people to the left of Texas democrats to run under its banner.
This is dangerous. It is splitting our party at a time that we need to unite for next year's election. No party wins an election by disrespecting its base. And I feel disrespected.
The choise of Arnold - and lets not play games, its quite apparent that he is the party boy - has been an insult to all of us conservatives who have been in the trenches for the party all along. I saw no moderates on the streets during the Florida Court dispute three years ago. As a matter of fact, I never heard the party say thank you; nor am I holding my breath.
The GOP attitude toward conservatives is: where else are they going to go? And now the final insult: conservatives are about to be blamed if Arnold their new found golden boy looses the election. All one has to do is listen to the party mouthpiece Shawn "I used to have principles" Hanity. Its an endless Arnold love fest.

But...
If the Party is willing to make up with the conservative base, it is THEY that must reach out to McClintock. If Arnold does it, he looks weak. The Republican Party has to eat their ego and kiss up. Tgey created this mess, let them clean it up.

[rftc]

This is how it would have happened in the old days, in a cigar filled Chauteau Marmont hotel room..(it is California)

[Dog]

Thank you AIT.....the two camps need to come together now. Bustamante must not become governor.

[DiamondDon1]

Hello American In Tokyo:

Arrangement 2

Here is a case for Tom not getting out of the race. It has been suggested and is VERY POSSIBLE or even PROBABLE that if Tom gets out of the race now, Arnold's numbers will rise to the point of crushing Cruz (about 1/2 to 2/3 of Tom's people will go for Arnold to make sure Cruz does not win...).

Sounds good to all the Arnold supporters. Their guy will be way back up in the polls and he will beat Cruz as Arnold supporters have pre-ordained.

But "Houston, we have a problem."

If Tom gets out, it will be Cruz that is the spoiler for Davis. It has been rumored that one reason that many Democrats still support the RECALL is that they think that Cruz can advance their leftist agenda better than Davis. So when the polls indicate Cruz is a goner, and CRUZ gets back to NO on RECALL (because he has no chance), the Democrats come home and Davis wins.

So in a wierd twist of fate...

PRESSURE TOM TO GET OUT AND KEEP DAVIS

Lastly, everyone from Hugh Hewitt to the most inane troll at DU understands that at the last minute, something awful will be brought up about Arnold.

There are two possible scenarios here (if Tom gets out):

1. Arnold's numbers get rid of Cruz and with the scandel, say "Hasta la Vista Arnold" and Hello Davis.

2. Arnold's numbers don't rise greatly, Cruz stays in and with the scandel, say "Hasta la Vista Arnold" and "Hola Cruz".

Is it smart to have Tom get out? Me thinks NOT.

DD

Previously posted but pertinent to the discussion

[GraniteStateConservative]

Tom should take Director of Finance for himself and go away. I'm sure Arnold would be happy with that arrangement and so should Tom.

CA would elect a conservative for Governor a million years before choosing one to vote on SCOTUS nominees. I'd support Bill Simon for the senatorial nomination, though, because he can further water down his views like he did last year to get to a point where he'd beat Boxer. Don't count out Rosario Marin, either. After this recall is over, more attention will be paid to the Boxer race and maybe Marin will show herself to be a great candidate.

[GraniteStateConservative]

I'd also add that Bush's approval ratings today in CA aren't great at all so it's really a leap to even be talking about a competitive race with Boxer-- her past lame margins of victory notwithstanding.

We need a high Bush approval in states we hope to knock off incumbents in.

[cake_crumb]

Arnold has said he looks forward to working with Tom, and that he feels they would "make a great team". I believe that is an overture. Tom is in a great position to bargain here. Arnold has that Teutonic pragmatism. He can see Tom's numbers as well as Tom can, and that SHOULD be enough to make him realize that McClintock has a significant portion of the voter base. As well, some people who would otherwise vote for McClintock are likely to vote for Arnold in an effort to secure a Republican, "half a loaf is better than none" win. Those voters should make clear to Arnold WHY they are voting for him, and make clear they expect some definite conservatism from him, AND that they expect him to WORK WITH McClintock...should McClintock so desire. I believe Arnold will go for it. I hope Tom does, because I'm planning on pushing hard for his next election run. I agree with those who speculate lawsuits and recounts if Arnold's win is narrow, coupled with the standard screeches of voter disenfranchizement and "selected, not elected". It worked so well in 2000, the Dems know all they have to do is perfect the act on every close election. Arnold needs a clear win. If nothing else, even if Tom stays ON the ballot, and he can, the public needs to see him being diplomatic enough to shake Arnie's hand in public, get some photo ops together and looks downright friendly. Make the overture NOW, while Arnold is willing to negotiate.

You did a great job with your verbal delivery in the debate. No sudden switchings in the middle of sentences. You got high marks from those who watched. Now work with Arnold to make GOOD public and economic policy and LEARN from his ability to appear relaxed with strangers.

Then use it in your next campaign if you don't win this one.

[telebob]

That's the way real politics work. But yer dealing with true believers here. See posts 9,17,24,25. That's what we're up against.

They salivate for a moral victory while guys like us want real victory. How can Tom make a deal now that he's told Arnold to get out of the race? Your ideas make too much sense....

[Iconoclast2]

BTTT. This is the answer, if not the details thereof. If the the Arnold camp doesn't approach McClintock with some sort of offer, they have no standing to complain about egos resulting in Governor Bustamente.

[RGSpincich]

They thirst and hunger for a dropout of their main opponent, to propel them within reach of the goal. The dropout of Conservative Senator Tom McClintock.

I can see which side was given the short chairs at the table. Thanks but no thanks. Let's see who the voters pick. BTW, your boy just got done blasting the County Chairs as "cocktail party converts" or similar words. Great work.