WASHINGTON -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose decision not to run for governor earlier this year came after months of intrigue and public speculation, is leaving no suspense about her plans for re-election to the Senate.
The Democratic senator said Thursday that she will seek re-election in 2000, and will begin the effort later this month with a fund-raiser in San Francisco."The reason I didn't run for governor is that I want to continue in the Senate," she said. "I believe I can continue to be effective" there.
After three statewide campaigns in the 1990s, the 64-year-old former San Francisco mayor has become one of the most recognized and popular politicians in the state. Feinstein is frequently mentioned as a potential running mate for the Democratic presidential nominee.
Although no Californian has done it, officials say Feinstein could run for vice president and Senate at the same time. Were she to win both, Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, would appoint a replacement until voters elect a successor.