Peter: This, of course, is a recurring dilemma for conservatives–for

anyone, in fact, of strong political opinions. (For Naderites, for example,

whose Nader votes were presumably a factor in George W. Bush’s 2000

victory.)

It was the first problem I faced as a U.S. citizen. At the naturalization

ceremony, they give you a voter registration card. I looked at the thing,

wondering: should I register Republican or Conservative? Well, I’m a

registered Republican, but I don’t feel easy about it. (Think Pataki; think

Bloomberg.)

With McClintock, though, I don’t think it’s so hopeless. He has Bill

Simon’s votes as well as his own. He could get some of Arnold’s, with some

hard work, luck, and guile. I’d say vote McClintock… and write up

McClintock, and talk up McClintock, and send letters to the editor, and do

anything else you can think of to help the guy. Arnold’s a big fat target

for the Left, and they haven’t started on him yet. Watch out for the “late

hit”–Arnold voters who get taken in by it, whatever it is, will still have

McClintock to vote for… but only if they know who he is! Look, it’s a

democracy. Keep hope alive!

And if Bustamente gets in… well, the worse, the better…