Reply #8: It's considered a Dem seat so no need for a Matsui "legacy" run.

[Garbo 2004]

It's a predominantly Democratic district so the odds favor a Dem anyway. The issue is what kind of Dem will be offered to the constituents and what policies/issues is the candidate likely to support? Mrs. Matsui's going for the seat may likely preclude a more progressive Dem from running or having a chance since the political PTB and the $$$ would support Matsui.

Since I live in the district I would like an alternative to a pro NAFTA lobbyist. From The Hill:

"Doris Matsui works at the Washington law firm and lobbying shop Collier Shannon Scott, where she has represented medical-technology manufacturers, telecommunications companies and financial institutions before Congress and federal agencies, according to the firm’s website. She is not an attorney." http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Campaign/010505.html

Bob Matsui was a nice guy but I'm not thrilled at the idea of the Dem Party effectively just handing the district over to his wife.