Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Xithras

(16,191 posts)
22. This complicates things a little for Feinstein.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:08 PM
Jan 2015

Dianne Feinstein has been hinting for a while that her 2012 election may have been her last, and that she may not run in 2018. She'd be running at 85 years old, and that term wouldn't end until she was 91. She's commented a few times that she does want to retire at some point, and doesn't want to stay in office until she dies. It became a bigger issue last fall, when several different sources close to her suggested that she would retire if the Republicans took the Senate, because she would wield a lot less influence. She has stayed in Congress this long only because her seniority put her in charge of some very powerful committees, and she didn't want them to pass into the hands of less able people. Now that the Republicans control the Senate, she's lost much of that power anyway.

The complication, of course, is that Gavin Newsom was named long ago as her heir apparent. If Boxer retires and Newsom runs for her seat, that makes Feinstein's seat a LOT more competitive in 2018. Kamala Harris is being groomed to run for the Governors seat after Browns term is up, and there is no way that the state party is going to send her off to Congress and risk the best shot they have at holding the governorship in 2018. People in California LIKE Harris, so shipping her across the country seems counter intuitive. Besides, I want Harris to run for President someday, and the Senate has historically been a lousy way to get there.

That really just leaves Alex Padilla (longtime state senator and current Secretary of State) and Antonio Villaraigosa as names that are well known enough statewide to really have a solid shot at the seat. Both would be popular with a broad swath of the electorate, but I don't think I've seen any indications that either of them are interested in Washington. Both seem more interested in state races.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

B. Box rocks! Botany Jan 2015 #1
Stunning! avaistheone1 Jan 2015 #2
If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all. Atman Jan 2015 #3
Get ready for Gavin Newsome Pantagruelsmember Jan 2015 #4
Yes, I like him. Mr.Bill Jan 2015 #7
I think Gavin would be great. avaistheone1 Jan 2015 #10
Sorry, I'm not buying the Senator's reason she just wants to come home to California, and she wants avaistheone1 Jan 2015 #12
I'm the same age blackcrow Jan 2015 #14
She may spend that much time at home but consider the travel involved. LiberalFighter Jan 2015 #19
You're joking right? RobietheCat Jan 2015 #34
Bummer abelenkpe Jan 2015 #5
It was reported that Feinstein likely not to run for re-election next time. LiberalFighter Jan 2015 #21
well that's gonna shake things up here abelenkpe Jan 2015 #24
That will only happen imo if there is at least one strong candidate in an election. LiberalFighter Jan 2015 #30
Good time for new liberal blood Pantagruelsmember Jan 2015 #32
I will miss her Hawaii Hiker Jan 2015 #6
Either would be good. TDale313 Jan 2015 #8
We've also got SwankyXomb Jan 2015 #20
She's fantastic. TDale313 Jan 2015 #25
I like Kamala Harris... mimi85 Jan 2015 #29
:( jeff47 Jan 2015 #9
I thought she's said it before question everything Jan 2015 #11
It was reported in early December she'd announce her retirement after the holidays. herding cats Jan 2015 #16
Strong speculation based on the fact her war chest was empty and she was not activly raising money Brother Buzz Jan 2015 #18
I wish it was the other Senator retiring dbackjon Jan 2015 #13
Thank you, Barbara and... Mike Nelson Jan 2015 #15
I wish her the best and hope she has a lovely retirement. herding cats Jan 2015 #17
Can you name a single thing Botoxer has accomplished in 18 years? RobietheCat Jan 2015 #35
This complicates things a little for Feinstein. Xithras Jan 2015 #22
I don't blame her but I hope she's replaced by someone as good as her. nt valerief Jan 2015 #23
Sen. Brown Kingofalldems Jan 2015 #26
YEAH! beaglelover Jan 2015 #27
I wish her well. bemildred Jan 2015 #28
I'm happy she will continue from the public sector. Barbara Boxer has always worked hard on issues, Sunlei Jan 2015 #31
"more time to HELP PEOPLE" tells you what the Senate DOESN'T spend their time doing yurbud Jan 2015 #33
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Sen. Barbara Boxer announ...»Reply #22