California Democrats engage in political maneuvering over the vacant Senate seat previously held by Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Race-Based Preferences Threaten Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat
On Thursday, The New York Times revealed a shocking development in the race for Dianne Feinstein’s California Senate seat. The 90-year-old senator, facing failing health, has given power of attorney to her daughter, effectively surrendering control over her own legal decisions.
Last week, concerns about Feinstein’s cognitive decline were further amplified during a Senate appropriation hearing. In a moment of confusion, she began delivering a speech on legislation while committee members were voting.
“I would like to support a ‘yes’ vote on this,” Feinstein started, before being interrupted and coached by Sen. Patty Murray to simply say “aye.”
NOW – 90 years old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told to “just say aye” at vote on the defense appropriations bill.pic.twitter.com/d7V5RDclWY
Calls for Retirement Grow
This hearing is just the latest event fueling calls for Feinstein to step down from her position. Concerns about her age and ability to serve have been circulating since 2020, when anonymous aides expressed worries about her memory.
According to The New Yorker, “They say her short-term memory has grown so poor that she often forgets she has been briefed on a topic, accusing her staff of failing to do so just after they have. They describe Feinstein as forgetting what she has said and getting upset when she can’t keep up.”
Similar reports were published by The New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle last year. In February, Feinstein announced she would not seek re-election in 2024. However, she remains unwilling to entertain discussions about leaving the Senate, despite suffering complications from shingles and ongoing health issues.
Feinstein’s defiance hasn’t stopped calls from some California Democrats demanding her retirement. They hope to influence who will replace her, with Governor Gavin Newsom pledging to appoint a black woman to the seat if she resigns.
It’s worth noting that the most vocal supporters of Feinstein’s resignation, such as Rep. Ro Khanna, have endorsed Rep. Barbara Lee in the crowded Senate primary. Khanna was the first member of Congress to request Feinstein’s resignation.
“I’m hopeful that people who are close to her can talk to her and just say, ‘Look, end your service with dignity. Step aside, let the governor appoint someone,'” Khanna said.
Lee has expressed her willingness to accept the appointment from Newsom.
A Feinstein resignation, however, could impact the chances of rival candidates running for an open Senate seat. Rep. Adam Schiff has raised nearly $30 million for his campaign, followed by Rep. Katie Porter with over $10 million.
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...