Feinstein's moderate Senate posture portends a re-election in 2006

[Freddie Stubbs]

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, viewed as one of the few moderate Democrats in an increasingly polarized Senate, is running for re-election in two years, and even Republicans admit she's an overwhelming choice to keep the seat she first won in a 1992 special election.

"You can probably call the result of this ... two years in advance,'' said Kevin Spillane, a GOP consultant. "There would have to be an event of 9/11 proportions to make her vulnerable.''

"She's going to be heavily favored,'' agreed Allen Hoffenblum, a Republican consultant whose California Target Book analyzes political races in the state. "I doubt if you'll see any heavyweights running against her.''

Feinstein is known as someone who is willing to work behind the scenes with politicians of both parties to get things done. Her ability to find common ground with the majority party will be more important beginning in January when the GOP increases its advantage over the Democrats to 55-44, with one independent. Feinstein's bipartisan reputation has eluded California's other senator, Barbara Boxer, who's seen as more liberal and more partisan.

more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/11/17/MNG0Q9SQ8E1.DTL

[Maat]

1. I'm a real Boxer fan.

Voted for her this election. Really stands by her progressive principles.

Now, as to Senator Feinstein ... she is a good moderate.

[ronnykmarshall]

2. I'm glad she running again.

I know that many people around her don't like her, but I don't want to lose this seat and Dianne will keep it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. It would seem that a lot California Democrats like her,

as they keep renominating her.

[Doomsayer13]

4. A green friend of mine will vote for Feinstein

said that she's always been a fan since the Mosconi assassination. Feinstein has been on the wrong side of a lot of issues, but I'd vote for her re-election.

[ronnykmarshall]

5. Dianne really brought the city together

after Mayor Moscone's and Harvey Milk's assinations.

The image of her telling the press that they had been murdered and shock is something I'll never forget.

I didn't live in sF at the time, but friends of mine that did said it was crazy. People were in shock, scared and very angry.

It was even worse when that damn Dan White basically got away with murder.