With Thompson out, Tom McClintock leans to Ron Paul

With Fred Thompson out of the presidential race, who's a self-respecting conservative to go for? Could it be, maybe, perhaps, a certain Republican-libertarian from Texas?

That's one question perplexing California state Sen. Tom McClintock, possibly the second-most-famous California Republican currently in office after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

McClintock created a stir two months when he endorsed Thompson’s presidential candidacy. Having run for governor, lieutenant governor and state controller, McClintock has shown that while he has not won a statewide contest, he can win GOP primaries, which conservatives tend to dominate. So heading into the Feb. 5 primary, McClintock’s endorsement is seen as important in California.

Now McClintock is mulling his choices. And it comes down to the basics: "Who will respect our Constitution, defend our borders, and reduce the burdens of government on our people?" McClintock said Thursday in Sacramento as the Senate wrapped up its week. "If I were to vote today, I probably would be casting a vote for Ron Paul. I’m not voting today."

Why Paul?

"I do believe he will respect our Constitu-" McClintock said, then stopped midthought. "I don’t want to go too far. I am still looking."

Why not former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney? "I want somebody with a consistent record," McClintock said. "I want someone who didn’t have to go through a political epiphany the day before he announced his candidacy."

-- Dan Morain

Comments

[Kevin Houston]

The political calculus has simplified immensely:

McCain: Pro-amnesty, anti-first amendment, anger issues.
Romney: Flip-flopper, gun-grabber, pro national health care.
Huckabee: big-government conservative, tax hiker, pro smoking ban.
Giuliani: pro-public funding for abortions, gun grabber.

[DX10]

Wish he would. A few choice endorsments and the MSM might stop ignoring Dr. Paul.

[JimS]

I hope so, at this point all the real conservatives such as my self are about to abandon ship - from the Republican Party. Why? Because - they have become democrats with an (R) next to their name.

Look at the state of things -and ask yourself why has the FOX news executives (The so called conservative Elite) given almost $200,000 to Hillary?

Don’t believe me - look up Rupert Murdock and Clinton in any search engine.

[J. Cline]

He doesn't want to "go too far" in endorsing Ron Paul?

Probably McClintock just doesn't want to bite the hand that's fed him, the GOP party machine that so hates Paul that they'll defeat themselves first rather than see him win.

It certainly is true, though, that Paul is the most consistent and authentic candidate of either party. The pandering and swerving views of the others just nauseate independents.

[TE]

Welcome aboard one and all! We have a very large umbrella! Please visit www.ronpaul2008.com - dig deeply into this honest mans record, consider reading some of his books - he has the knowledge and conviction to turn our country around
TE

[Tim]

Coincidentally, Thompson was my #2 choice and Paul is my #1.

[Dr Ward Ciac II]

Thank you for this article. The Republican primary race is a game of last man standing. Dr Ron Paul is the presidential candidate who will stop the economic collapse which is upon us, and keep the poor and middle income people afloat. You can see the synopsis of Ron Paul at the Florida debate and see for yourself why he won it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPij7fyIiUQ
The $1 trillion dollars a year spent on empire building across the globe, which Dr Paul wants to stop, is an immoral tax that is bankrupting the country which is more and more being owned by Chinese bankers.

[RR]

McClintock is huge to us Conservatives in California. I had already thrown in with the RP camp six months ago, but it is good to hear that like-minded Conservatives in office who I admire are starting to sound off.

[HighlandMediaworks]

Hey Californian's for Ron Paul....download a free professional TV/Radio ad to air on your local stations at www.highlandmediaworks.com/ronpaulad

or go to youtue and rate/fav it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXg7mhVXBIk

This is a donation to the supporters of Dr. Paul and who have already given the limit...keep on campaigning!!!!

[Marta]

Interesting...

[World]

Makes me wonder who Tom McClintock is worried about. Almost seems like he's looking over his shoulder for a bully to suckerpunch him. If you supported Thompson for his fiscal conservatism, Ron Paul is really your only alternative in that regard. I don't know whats wrong about saying publicly that you support the constitution. Heck, shout it from the rooftops if you want, its a free country.

[andre]

I'm not trying to persuade anyone but maybe he could check out 'Ron Paul economics' / constitution on You Tube. That's where I found out about Ron Paul and John Mc Cain too.

[Nick]

Great article. Bestselling author, syndicated columnist, and renowned conservative commentator Cal Thomas praised Ron Paul on his website. Here's some of what he had to say:

"Where are we after the Michigan primary and just before South Carolina this weekend?

"Mike Huckabee... sounds like a big government Republican. The only one behaving like a real Republican is Ron Paul, who actually wants to cut spending and get government out of our lives. He won't win the nomination because too many Republican are into handouts and redistribution, just like Democrats."

"It's a sad political season if you are a conservative... Maybe a miracle will happen and Republicans will start behaving like Republicans again."

[FreeInChrist2]

Now is the time for truth and MSM defeat...

Here in Illinois! (21 electoral votes)

Please go to our new youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iug0DEMdZns

Go here to see what we are doing in Central Illinois for Ron Paul!
http://www.illinoispatriotspac.org/?q=adblitzupdate012208

Also see this Ron Paul painting being auctioned on ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260206203009

Thanks to all Patriots to make these items viral!

Please send these links to everyone in your address books.

[Dan]

This is great news for us Ron Paul supporters! I truly hope that he does follow through on his endorsement, as California is a very important state for Dr. Paul. Dr. Paul's record (www.ronpaul2008.com -- check it out!) shows that he has always voted in accordance with Constitutional principles, has never voted for a tax raise, voted against the Iraq War, and wishes to end birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants, secure our borders with troops that are brought back from around the world, and repeal the patriot act and restore habeas corpus to protect our individual liberties. Couple this with his incredible economic plan, and we have one heluva President on our hands to restore America back to its roots!

[JeffnDallas]

Tom, just SAY IT! There is no other "logical," Constitutional choice or voice in the current GOP line-up...and obviously you know it, so just SAY IT!

[Darryl Schmitz]

Thank you for the article, Dan. This will probably be the election we look back on as the one that truly made us consider, "What precisely is a 'wasted vote'?" Is it voting for someone who the pollsters say doesn't have a chance.. so we instead vote for the lesser evil of the two or three poll frontrunners? If this is the case, we have truly sealed our long-term fate. We certainly will eventually collapse into national ruin as did the Soviet Union. Why save and invest money in a system where your savings will be worth pennies on the dollar by the time you retire? Why try to teach your children right from wrong when they see our leaders acting like dishonest, spiteful, and greedy children themselves? Sad.

[DenisL]

It is nice to see that others are realizing that the most consistent non-flip flopping Presiential candidate is Ron Paul. And I am including the Dems too!

We each seem to have our own major issue(s) that make their choice for President seem like the best one. My question is: Would someone tell me why we should NOT elect Ron Paul?

The rest, with Richardson and Kucinich out, seem to be talking crazy talk (or did last week!) about our military adventures in the Middle East. Additionally, no one else seems to understand the problems with the economy, inflation, and out of control deficit spending. Inflation is going to eat us alive, as it has already started to do so. Do you really believe that the REAL inflation rate last year, the rate that was used by the government for Social Security check increases this month, was 2.3%? Just look at the price of gold up 30% in 2007, now at an all time high and getting higher!

One can not talk about tax cuts without ALSO talking about cutting spending. We have a $9 trillion debt (nearly double since 2000) that must be paid so we can afford Social Security and Medicare. The interest payments will go sky high when we begin to fight inflation with higher Federal Reserve bank rates.

And we must stop inflation or everyone's life savings will go down the tubes, along with the middle class, like what has happened to the middle class in most countries south of our border. And do not forget Universal Health Care, which is coming down the tracks right at us, unless Republicans begin to understand the seriousness of runaway deficits and inflation. And start educating the country. A Democratic President will surely not fight inflation like Volcker and Reagan did!

Please vote Ron Paul and save the country from bankruptcy abroad and at home!

[Max]

If McClintock wants someone with a consistent record, he obviously has not "googled" Ron Paul yet. Even McCain himself was caught saying that, "Congressman Paul is the most principled, consistent voice on the hill"

[Tom]

Senator McClintock has made a wise choice. Ron Paul is the only real Republican, and his voting record proves it.

[Tom]

Senator McClintock has made a wise choice. Ron Paul is the only real Republican, and his voting record proves it.

[Doug D]

Go for it Tom! Endorse Ron Paul now, to influence the maximum number of voters -- early voting is already in progress. Ron Paul has THOUSANDS of volunteers and donors in California. We were very disappointed when you endorsed Thompson, but I'm sure most of us will forgive you if you come out publicly for Ron Paul before February 5th. Given your criteria as outlined in this article, Ron Paul is the obvious choice. But don't just go with selfless logic and pick Ron Paul because he's the best candidate for America, regardless of his odds of winning -- pick Ron Paul for YOU, because his supporters will help YOU when you run for the US Senate, and after that, the White House.

[Ray of hope]

Today tomorrow or next week, nothing will change, The candidates are what they are and the only dignified and honest constitutionalist is none other than Ron Paul. The economy is collapsing and no interest reate cuts or rebates will make any difference at all.

[Seth M]

Brilliant! No other candidate has a clue when it comes to restoring, defending, and upholding the Constitution. We don't need another personality President.
We need someone who understands Constitutional constraints when it comes to foreign and domestic policy.
We need someone who is willing to sacrifice their power as President to restore a healthy balance of power in our government.
We need Ron Paul!
He knows he can't save our nation by himself. He encourages true patriotism and self-sacrifice at a local, practical level. Look at how his run for Presidency has unified his followers. Look at how creative, innovative and passionate they are. Doesn't that tell you something. That's what our country is supposed to be.

[scott]

Thanks for the report. Looks like even politicians are coming around. This is the time heroes are born by standing behind their values.

I sincerely hope for the health and wealth of America more heroes are born this year than any other.

Ron Paul, 2008. Any other vote and you might as well give your money to billion dollar corporations.