This is an update to an early diary that I wrote that discussed the issue of US Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) running for re-election, and the difficulty a progressive Democrat would have successfully challenging her. In my earlier diary I discuss at length California’s unusual “top two” primary system, and why that favors Feinstein. There is no Democratic primary. You can find my earlier diary here:
www.dailykos.com/...
Feinstein is being challenged by State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Loen, a LA area state senator who is being termed out. In the LA Times/USC poll 58% of the people said they would vote for Feinstein, if the election were held on the date of the poll, and de Leon polled at 31%. Billionaire Democratic donor Ted Steyer is contemplating joining the race. When Steyer is added to the poll Feinstein’s numbers drop to 50%, de Leon’s to 25%, and Steyer pulls 17%. Steyer could use his personal fortune to aggressively attack Feinstein, and increase his name recognition, but de Leon isn’t expected to have the cash to counter a media saturation by Steyer, which could leave de Leon out of the “top two”. Feinstein, who is married to billionaire Richard Blum, has always been a prolific fund raiser, and will not be short of cash. She also starts her re-election with state-wide name recognition, and bipartisan support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In the LA Times/USC poll Feinstein was favored by 38% among registered Republicans, a key advantage in the “top two” primary system. Here is a link to the LA Times story with more details:
www.latimes.com/...