As Democrats try to mollify disappointed supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Republicans pushed the theme that Democrats are divided and open to voting for John McCain.

Former Minnesota Democratic Congressman Tim Penney is supporting McCain. "He is a true statesman who will always put the country first," said Penney, now an independent. "With Obama, we have words; with McCain, we have deeds. With Obama, we have rhetoric; with McCain, we have a record."

Several Democratic delegates said they were unhappy McCain was using their "family fight" against Obama. "It makes me sad that McCain is using it against us," said Pam Durham, a Clinton delegate from Fort Worth, Texas, who has not yet embraced Obama. "It may unite our party against the outsider."

"VERY GOOD" NEWS: At a fundraiser in Sacramento, Calif., McCain told backers -- including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- that he's seeing good news in the polls. "We had a very good poll today," said McCain, pointing to a Gallup tracking poll showing the race a virtual dead heat. He vowed to put the nation's most populous state in play, though Obama is thought to be ahead there. "We will not take your money and leave," McCain said. "We will compete in California."

McCain was heading to Burbank, Calif., to appear on NBC's "Tonight" show.

"OUT OF THE RUNNING": South Dakota Sen. John Thune said that he has not given the McCain campaign any personal documents used to vet prospective running mates and added that "I would say I'm out of the running." There has been some speculation that the 47-year-old was an attractive prospect for the ticket, partly because of his relative youth. ASSOCIATED PRESS