January 30, 2008

Bill Jonesin’ for McCain

Former California Secretary of State Bill Jones was canvassing the Capitol on Tuesday, seeking out new legislative supporters for his favored presidential candidate – GOP front-runner John McCain.

Jones, who backed McCain in 2000 much to the chagrin of the GOP establishment, is the Arizona senator’s California state chair in 2008.

Among the members Jones spoke with was Sen. Tom McClintock, the conservative Thousand Oaks Republican, who is well-liked by California Republican activists.

McClintock’s favored candidate, actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, dropped out of the race last week.

So did Jones’ visit persuade McClintock to switch political camps mid-primary?

“Absolutely not,” said McClintock. “I’m a Fred Thompson man,” though even Fred Thompson is no longer a Fred Thompson man.

McClintock said he had received his ballot and is “still staring at it and pondering that very question” of who to vote for. He's thought about Ron Paul. He's also considering a protest vote. No chance he'll be balloting for McCain.

Even with McClintock unconvinced, Jones, who is now in the ethanol business, got a boost on Tuesday. His company, Pacific Ethanol, received a $23 million grant from the federal government for a demonstration plant in Oregon.

Posted by Shane Goldmacher on January 30, 2008 1:19 PM