Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

The Washington Times carries an interesting report today out of California that the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain "is mounting a stealth effort to change Republican presidential nomination rules in California to allow independents to vote in the Feb. 5 primary." Sourcing the story from "party and campaign officials" in California, the Times says the rules change would help both McCain and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, while harming the campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, by helping McCain and/or Giuliani offset Romney's support among traditional-values voters with votes from more liberal-minded independents.

An official with the Romney organization in California said McCain supporter Duff Sundheim, the former state Republican Party chairman and an ally of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been trying to line up votes for the rules change. Several other state officials and campaign operatives independently reported receiving phone calls from Mr. Sundheim seeking support for the change.

Mr. Sundheim late last night denied that he is affiliated with or backing Mr. McCain but refused to answer when asked whether he was lining up support for a rules change. He did admit he was having discussions with state party Chairman Ron Nehring. Officials from all three campaigns declined to discuss whether their candidates are working to change the rules.

So, the McCain campaign wants to change the rules so it can attract more votes from social liberals in California in order to defeat a rival who is more attractive to social conservatives. No wonder conservatives view McCain with suspicion. His campaign, if the Times report is accurate, is actively working in California to undermine their cause, solely to further his own personal political ambition.