Fred picks up a big endorsement

California's Tom McClintock, a man widely respected by the right people on the left coast, has come out for Fred Thompson:

"It can and will be morning in America again," McClintock said, reprising a signature line from the Reagan presidential campaign. In a comparison that recalled his criticism of Schwarzenegger, whom McClintock has publicly suggested has abandoned his party and his GOP principles, he said Thompson offers Republican values of "bold colors and no pale pastels."

"This is the hour, and this is the man," McClintock said of Thompson's presidential bid.

What's interesting about that article is that Thompson never even made a play for the Governator's showbiz endorsement but instead approached--and closed with--a prominent no-foolin' conservative. It's good for Fred, and good for McClintock.

Incidentally a friend of mine got hit up for money by McClintock the other day (a letter, not in person, duh) for something he's running for in 2010. Anybody know what that is?