From a reader: “I think you underestimate the extent of Mr. McClintock’s

misstep. McClintock’s strength rests on his strong principles. He voids

this strength if he piles on Arnold over this. This is especially true,

since the emerging picture is that the L. A. Times is all but campaigning

for Governor Davis. Many of McClintock’s natural backers are likely

considering voting for Arnold to spite the Times. I’m in this group. If

McClintock were to do something like endorse Arnold now, Arnold and the

California Republican centrist establishment would owe him big-time. He

would be certain to have the full

support of the Republican party to run against Barbara Boxer in for the U.

S. Senate next year.”