The only California politician whom I have been excited about voting for in some time. His stands on illegal immigration and the state budget reflect a grounded common sense that finds little support in this crazy Marxist outpost of a state.

Tom McClintock was (along with Peter Camejo) the best candidate for California Governor in 2003. An intelligent man with political courage, he stood up to other Republicans who urged him repeatedly to step down in favor of Arnold Schwarzenegger. During the debates, only he and Camejo seemed to be on task with their message on how to improve California, though differing in approach. McClintock, suffice to say, has a bright future ahead should he pursue higher office someday.

In my previous post, I suggested that Mr. McClintock has an obligation to step aside to allow fellow Republican Scwarzenegger roll to victory. That by continuing to stay in the race, he is putting his own opportunisim over the good of his Party. After following this recall closely, my sense is that I may have had it all wrong - it should be Arnold that steps aside for McClintock. McClintock has been impressive in his campaigning. While I don't agree with much of what he says (most notably gun control), at least he has an ideology (as opposed to an arsenal of soundbites), and has been consistent, articulate, and forceful in articulating his plan for California. While Bustamente has an ideology, pieces of it are scary (MECHA), and the prospect of new taxes is not going to help the business environment at all. Nevada and Texas will be happy to welcome companies fleeing overregulation in California. Finally, back to my original point on the whole issue of who should step aside for who - it's become clear to me in following this election that McClintock knows who he is politically. He knows what he believes in, and what he stands for. Rather than step aside for a political bozo (can anyone tell me Arnold has a clue of what he is doing?), he has convinced me that he honestly feels that he has a responsibility to California to stay in the race in order to implement his plan. I am opposed to the recall - however, after voting No to the recall, I will vote for McClintock, as I feel he has earned it.

The good news is that he knows state government. The bad news is that he's chained to a fairly extreme conservative ideology centered on cutting taxes, which is already California's fiscal nemesis.

McClintock may be brilliant and he certainly knows his way around the legislature, but he is also a hot tempered, arrogant, bully whose whole attitude towards others is that "if you don't agree with me, you're stupid". Little chance of ever being able to work with the legislature to accomplish anything even if he were elected.

Oh for god's sake. Has nobody learned anything? Its just like the rerererererepeat of a soap opera script.

My tenent who votes in every election is a typical Californian. Watches TV a lot. She told me she was confused about the recall election. We talked about it a little. I asked her what she thought of Tom McClintock and she said, "Who is Tom McClintock?" This is the California voter. Tom McClintock is not well known. He does have a very good chance of getting Bustamante elected by splitting the vote. How do all you McClintock voters feel about a new state called CaliMexico?

California needs a strong governor willing to curb excessive government spending. McClintock has a plan to return a surplus to our state and encourage business growth that creates jobs. This candidate is opposed to the tripling of the car tax, a poor tax that takes a greater percentage of lower and middle class incomes. Davis claims to be an advocate for the disadvantaged yet he allows legislation to pass that adds an additional burden to the tight budgets of the lower and middle class. Tom McClintock is a man of action who can turn this state around. Even if you are a moderate, please remember that McClintock can bring a balance of power that will protect our state from the leftist legislation that drains our economy and compromises our security. For specifics, visit www.tommcclintock.com.

Heard him on the Walnut Creek debate. I was surprised that I mostly disagreed with him!! Before seeing that debate I thought he would be one of the best choices. I'm glad I saw the debate.

Far and away the best candidate for Governor. A straight shooter, not one like others, with finger in the wind.

No on Tom McKKKlintock. Simple as that. Besides, let us remember that it was the Republicans who pushed for de-regulation wich contributed to the state of our economy.

McClintock is experienced, reliable, and focused on California. He knows how to build consensus, and he cares about the state. He has his children in our public schools, and he doesn't try to take money (bribes) from Indian tribes, although he supports them. A decent guy, all around who supports law-abiding citizens.

Too closed off to see clearly

Tom, is the best choice here, but I fear that he will split the vote enough that the Republicans will lose the recall. I have the greatest amount of respect for him, but we must unite for the common good. If Arnold would withdrawl Tom would win hands down, but I fear Arnolds popularity is rulling the vote. Tom, you are the best man for the job! I just hope that you staying in the race doesn't cost us the recall.

He will make a great Governor. I have checked out the candidates that had records on the Vote Smart website. He is the best.

Tom McClintock is the only solution to this crisis in California. He is eloquent, knowledgable, and intelligently well-spoken. He has been fighting for fiscal responsibility in the legislature and has held his principled positions for 20 years.(He doesn't even need to call a summit meeting of rich goons to figure out what to believe). In fact, he had a big confrontation with Pete Wilson about policy and tax hikes--which is probably why he seems to be snubbed by the Party. Schwarzenegger will be much easier to control. If Tom drops out of the race, I'll vote no on the recall rather than vote for this big empty gym suit!

No hope of winning. "NEXT!"

Let's face it: Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, there's only one truly qualified person for CA governor--Tom McClintock. Do I agree with all his positions? NO. However, he knows the intricacies of state government, has sponsored important legislation for many years, has clearly delineated solutions, and has demonstrated he can get things done despite the maze of CA government. To me this is a no-brainer. Arnold is a popular, charismatic fellow who is great for sound bites. Cruz is is a knowledgeable insider but is too closely associated with Davis and his poor decisions. Arianna is a diletante lacking in focus. Then there's the rest of the menagerie! Whether the recall process per se is an appropriate vehicle in a situation where the sitting governor had been recently re-elected is an issue worthy of discussion at a later time. The reality is: There is going to be a recall election; Tom McClintock is the only capable, take-charge candidate who is capable of starightening things out in CA. Regardless, I hope there's a very high voter turnout on October 7.

Probably the most qualified candidate on the ballot. Knows what needs to be done & articulates his positions clearly & concisely. Should rate 5 stars, but his chances of being elected are poor, so he will probably be responsible for election of bustamente & destruction of Calif. Newport, San Diego, etc. will become mexican resorts--nice places to vacation, but not to live. Even if he could get elected, the democrats control the legislature & the last thing they want is for a conservative republican to restore prosperity. Schwarzenegger has a chance of using the bully pulpit to put things in front of the people, with McClintock it will be politics as usual because dems will stalemate everything he tries to do.

An excellent candidate who won't be heard in the confusion. It would be best if he withdrew and worked for anoter candidate. that would help getl the pictlure of callifornai's terrible condition conveyed.

quite possibly the best candidate running

He is great. It's morons like magellan that will keep good people like Tom from fixing this state. If I weren't running, I would vote for him.

There he is, the bold right wing candidate with a plan, a plan that will save California, yes indeed! Only your typical Californian does not think so. All he can really do is split the vote on the right and make it easier for a democrat to win. How's that for helping the agenda he hopes to pass! Real smart huh? He's the conservative's man of the hour who will lead them all into a bold and proud defeat! ( Perhaps some french blood at work here? )

Do we really think we will vote for a member of the legislature that helped CREATE this problem?

Probably my second choice to Brian Tracy. He has excellent ideas proven over time. What he lacks is any charisma to get the people behind him. He also carries a lot of baggage with Democrats in the State and is not likely to get much cooperation from Sacramento. Would undoubtably do a better job than Arnold, but has a much lower chance of actually being elected.

Stay in and become our governor. I hope you will be on some of the radio talk shows so people can hear your qualifications and solid views.

Doesn't have the support or money to win.

He would make an excellent governor. His background and experience makes him an ideal manager for the state of California. He would apply his knowledge to bringing California out of the economic mire that social liberal democrats got the state into the mess in the first place.

McClintock is the man with the plan.

McClintock will be a far better governor than SchwarzenRINO!

no chance

A true conservative who supports our Constitutional rights, including the 2nd Amendment. Good luck sir!