2008 California Election Forum

Letters from Our Readers—On Only Voting for "The Candidate Who Can Win"

"I voted for Arnold because I thought he could win (in our liberal state) even though I knew McClintock was the conservative.

"Similarly, I voted for Bush in 2004 even though I had to hold my nose over No Child Left Behind (a Kennedy-sponsored bill) and his support of McCain- Feingold.

"Like President Bush, Governor Schwarzenegger is interested in pleasing voting blocks rather than standing for principle.

"Bush gives conservatives gifts such as tax relief and steadfastness on the war effort...then he gives gifts to liberals: government meddling in education (no Child Left Behind), Medicare Expansion, McCain- Feingold.

"Bush gives up easily on important issues like Social Security Reform, but holds steadfast on NOT building a border fence (No Illegal Immigrant Left Behind).

"Arnold is the same way except he's even worse than President Bush. Arnold really hasn't bestowed any conservative 'gifts,' only window dressing for his failed, half-hearted reform attempts in 2005.

"Conversely, Governor Schwarzenegger has legions of liberal gifts... bond spending, universal health care, global warming, etc.

"They say the Republican party is a 'big tent' party. I'm still technically registered as a Republican, but no longer identify myself as such with President Bush and Governor Schwarzenegger, prominent Republicans.

"I think the tent has grown too large and the Republican party philosophies of limited government have become meaningless.

"From now on, I'm voting for the principled candidate no matter if the polls say they can't win. In retrospect, my votes cast for the candidate-who-can-win has made me the loser."

—Steve