Sen. Dianne Feinstein Says She's Running For Re-Election

Dianne Feinstein says she will run for a new term that would take her into her 90s. A conversation about the search for affordable apartments in San Diego. This is KPBS Midday Edition. I'm Maureen Cavanaugh. It is Monday October 9. Our top story a midday edition Dianne Feinstein says she will be seeking a fifth term next year at 84 years old the Democrat is the oldest serving senator and there was speculation that she might not run for a new six-year term. She is also perceived as a moderate which could be a handicap. Joining me is Thad Kousser, political science professor, UC San Diego . Thank you for having me. 50% of likely California voters that they did not want Dianne Feinstein to run again. What kind of obstacles issue facing? That is an attack with Republicans and also Bernie Sanders very progressive of the Democratic Party who has been looking for youth and for change and new voices in Washington DC and a group of people who haven't been thrilled that Dianne Feinstein hasn't declared war on President Donald Trump. She spoke that she hoped that she hoped he could have a great presidency. What about her refusal to support single-payer health care is that something that is disliked? This is an issue that have moved from something that was something that Democrats felt good about two something that's become a test for whether you are to progressive are not. Many people have progressive credentials but worried about where is the funding? Many have been caught up in what could be an upcoming Civil War in the party between people who want to see universal healthcare like President Obama and people who want to see it happened to single-payer and this is an issue that Feinstein to get caught up in. Have challengers emerged? No one has taken the full leap of getting into this race. The biggest challenges are two well known current officeholders who don't have any amount of recognition compared to hers but have gotten a lot of new excitement among younger voters. Kevin has led the charge on the environment and can control. Of a mayor who might run for president. He recently announced that he would be holding a fun riser -- fundraiser for Dianne Feinstein. He has become a new political voice. Kamala Harris was quick to endorse Feinstein's reelection bid. Do you think that will help her? I think it lends some credibility from the party that does like Senator Harris. I think it shows that Dianne Feinstein is still a California political institution. Someone was served and Democrats in general throughout her career had been very appreciative on what she's done. I think it shows that many people in the political establishment are still strongly going to back and not take the risk of running against Feinstein. It leads that leaves room for somebody who does not hold back. Other than that nobody has heard of him. He is the kind of person who might be taking on the center -- Senator because he isn't part of the establishment. If Democrats are lukewarm about reelecting Feinstein, could not give a boost to a Republican challenger? I think it is indicative that we spend a few minutes talking about challengers. I think what that shows is there is hardly any people left in the political party unless someone outside hasn't been actively running for the position. Really we haven't seen major challenges. So there are not Republicans who are gunning for the seat. I think Dianne Feinstein only has to look to her left. Is there an advantage to California to be represented by such a long serving member? The she have a lot of power in influence? Seniority of the Senate means less than it does in the house. Certainly what she brings is a long track record. Everyone knows where she is on issues like national security. It is not so much her tenure in office. It is the long time experience that she brings in a time when foreign policy, can control our major issues. I been speaking with 2011, political science professor, UC San Diego. Thank you. Thank you for having me.