Reply #165: Let me start off saying

[fujiyama]

that Sheehan has every right to challenge Feinstein and that I myself do not especially care for Feinstein and will admit I would have trouble voting for her (I would only do so if polls showed a tight race).

But what especially amuses me is this notion that just because Sheehan would make a fine senator means she has has any chance of doing so. It seems especially naive to expect support (or encouragement in any way) for this venture from the junior senator who has herself been helped by Feinstein in the past.

At this point, Sheehan's only claim to fame is being an anti war demonstrator. I have no problem with Sheehan. She has shown courage and I no doubt would prefer another no vote on such issues like the war and tax cuts, both of which Feinstein has voted on.

But having aquired publicity does not automatically capable of winning a statewide race. They are expensive (especially in a state like CA) and usually take many political connections, the latter of which she would not have from the party if she would somehow unseat Feinstein the primaries.

The more likely scenario is her getting crushed in the primaries, embarrasing her, and drying up some support with people she needs. In the end Sheehan would simply burn a few bridges she needs for the anti war movement (namely Dem office holders). I believe that's all Boxer is saying and she is correct.