California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said yesterday she will not run for governor, ending months of speculation and clearing the Democratic primary field for Attorney General Jerry Brown.
Feinstein, the 76-year-old former San Francisco mayor who is one of the state's most popular politicians, called Brown Tuesday morning to tell him she would not be running, her spokesman Gil Duran confirmed.
"She is a trusted friend and close adviser to the attorney general," Brown spokesman Scott Glazer said. "He looks forward to working with her on the huge challenges facing California."
Pressed for months to decide whether she would jump into the race, Feinstein said she wouldn't unless other candidates failed to address California's chronic budget problems.
Feinstein, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1990 but lost to Republican Pete Wilson.
A Rasmussen poll out yesterday found Feinstein and Brown performing about the same against Republicans Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner.
I doubt she would give up her time in the Senate on something that may not pan out well for her.
Yep, I think that's what is happening... although Dems tried to play up both candidates to see who might fare better.. and they are finding that both Feinstein and Jerry Brown would be neck and neck against GOP, but neither is a conclusive win. So, she has no real impetus to run for Governor.
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Democracy needs defending - SOS Hillary Clinton, Sept 8, 2010 Democracy is more than just elections - SOS Hillary Clinton, Oct 28, 2010
Plus she has to much time invested in the Senate she needs to stay put. She is not planning a run for POTUS. I have always admired Senator Feinstein I remember being a little girl when she became the first mayor of San Francisco I remember being very proud of her.
As of last night Newsom, the mayor of SF (which is bankrupt) filed papers to run as Lt. Governor, forget working for the people of SF. Should he be elected, the Board of supervisors will appoint a mayor, to serve out his term.
This ought to get people of SF in a mood that will worsen, and not get better at a time when everyone is being cut off or cut back.
I'd like to see a Brown/Brown ticket, but don't look for Willie Brown to come to rescue of SF. Jerry Brown has until 12 Mar to declare his run.
-- Edited by Building 4112 on Thursday 18th of February 2010 08:15:59 AM