In the years since then, in elected office, Tom has served his constituents well. Like Abraham Lincoln and others before him, Tom has experienced both success and loss, but his reputation as a straightforward man of the people has seen him through to the point that today, the name “McClintock� is synonymous with clear, analytical thinking and intrepid forthrightness.

Even people who don’t share his fiscally conservative views concede that Tom McClintock is an honest man. His wide base of grassroots support has always included numerous small, individual donors, and these days even the deep-pockets folks recognize Tom’s steadfast courage and impressive leadership potential.

We have been privileged to know Tom’s family of origin for decades, all exceptionally talented individuals with high standards of personal integrity. Tom’s own beautiful family is a great asset to him as well.

At long last, Tom is getting the statewide recognition he deserves. The headline on the front page of our county newspaper proclaiming that “Tom McClintock has assumed the mantle of statesman� is an accurate reflection of today’s truth. Tom is now being appreciated for what he is: a man of integrity with a detailed vision of what is needed to save the state, as well as the guts and determination to see it through. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is wise to befriend this steadfast man whose stellar qualities are of the lasting variety. He’s going someplace.

One of these fine days, mark our words, Tom McClintock will make it all the way to governor, and, we’re convinced, ultimately beyond. We’re just standing by the door waiting for the day the invitation to Tom’s inaugural ball finally gets here. Our ballgown and tux are now swaying in the closets, the dancing shoes have started tapping themselves, and we’re hoping this letter will cinch our chances of waltzing the night away in glittering finery when that great day finally arrives.

— Don and Maryanne (“Mia�) Leonard, Westlake Village