US Rep. Lee slams Newsom’s pick for Feinstein’s replacement.
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Troubled by Governor’s Decision on Senate Replacement
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee expressed her concerns about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to appoint a caretaker if Sen. Dianne Feinstein resigns before the end of her term. In a series of social media posts, Lee criticized the governor for not considering candidates running for the senator’s seat in 2024.
“I am troubled by the Governor’s remarks,” said Lee. “The idea that a Black woman should be appointed only as a caretaker to simply check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election.”
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Feinstein announced her retirement plans in February, and Newsom previously stated his intention to nominate a black woman for the Senate seat if she resigned. Lee emphasized that if a black woman is appointed, it should be based on merit and not as a token gesture.
During an interview on NBC’s ”Meet the Press,” Newsom reaffirmed his decision to make a temporary appointment, stating that he didn’t want to interfere with the primary process.
In 2021, Newsom faced criticism for not choosing a black woman to fill Vice President Kamala Harris’s Senate seat. Instead, he appointed Alex Padilla, his longtime ally. Lee has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Feinstein, but her office has stated that she intends to serve out her term.
Age and Candidates
The issue of aging politicians has come into focus with Feinstein’s health battles and Biden’s recent troubles. If elected, Lee would be 78 years old when she takes office. However, she is currently running behind well-known Democratic candidates Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.
A recent poll by the University of California at Berkeley shows Schiff leading with 20 percent, followed by Porter at 17 percent. However, one-third of likely voters remain undecided. Lee is tied with Republican candidates Steve Garvey and James Bradley at 7 percent.
The poll also revealed that a majority of Californians prefer Newsom to nominate someone who will run for a full term next year. This adds complexity to the governor’s decision-making process.
“While most Californians prefer that Newsom appoint a successor to Feinstein who will run for the full term, if put in this position the Governor’s political calculus is complicated,” said Eric Schickler, co-director of the University of California–Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies.
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