San Jose, Calif. – No one would have guessed who’s lining up behind whom in California’s GOP presidential primary contest. It’s got lots of people scratching their heads.
Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York, is getting endorsements from key California conservatives despite the fact he is pro-choice, pro- gun control, pro-gay rights.
The 2000 maverick candidate John McCain, crusader for campaign finance reform, has attracted the state’s biggest GOP fundraisers.
And Mitt Romney, ex-governor of Massachusetts, is trying to transform his blue-state image, pushing in California’s conservative strongholds.
A new GOP delegate system could give Democratic-leaning places like the Bay Area a place in Republican politics they don’t usually enjoy.
Recently, Giuliani made a campaign stop in downtown Oakland, home district of liberal anti-war U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee. Though only 10 percent of the voters in that district are Republicans, Giuliani noted “it’s just as important to win a Democratic congressional district, to get the Republicans there,” as it is to win a GOP district.
In 2000, John McCain campaigned as the outsider and a year later was lead architect of campaign finance reform, which made him few friends among party regulars. His habit of bucking party interests, however, has not stopped major California Bush supporters from rallying around him.
Romney, a political unknown in California, also has been staking his claim and has received support from some former Bush backers.
Romney does not support abortion rights and, although the Massachusetts state courts have ruled in favor of gay marriage, he is opposed.
But the war seems to be an overriding issue this time. “While abortion is still a passionate issue with conservatives, it’s not Roe v. Wade people are talking about; it’s the war,” he said.
