LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- California's Republican establishment is lining up behind former Secretary of State Bill Jones as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Jones and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger scheduled a news conference for Friday at which Schwarzenegger is expected to endorse Jones for the seat held by Democrat Barbara Boxer.
Schwarzenegger's endorsement will be added to earlier gestures by former governors Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian.
Jones is one of 10 Republicans vying for the chance to oust Boxer, long considered one of the nation's most-liberal senators.
Jones comes from California's conservative central valley and was a candidate in the 2002 gubernatorial primary. He also helped write the state's controversial "Three Strikes" law while serving in the state Assembly.
