*26 CALIFORNIA: LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR NOT RUNNING? Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D), in a "rare interview regarding her political future, spoke glowingly of the chance to return home" as the state's next gov., calling it a "very attractive" possibility. "At the same time, Feinstein said she enjoys her work in the Senate more than ever before and that her 'effectiveness can grow on a national level'" if she remains in DC. Throughout the 45-minute interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Feinstein "appeared deeply torn over her choice. Despite the urgings of some fellow Democrats to speed her decision, Feinstein said it may be several months before she declares her intentions. ... The key conflict appears to be Feinstein's interest in becoming governor versus her reluctance to endure a grueling campaign." Were she to run, Feinstein said the "cornerstone of her campaign would be a plan to fundamentally restructure elementary education." At the same time, Feinstein "sees her effectiveness building in the Senate": "I actually like the Senate much more now than I did initially. I'm more accustomed to its eclectic proceedings and rules and think I can work on both sides of the aisle." The legal filing deadline to enter the 6/2/98 primary is 2/9/98, "and Feinstein said that if she chooses to run, she could wait until the last moment to file." Feinstein "brushed aside the notion that uncertainty surrounding her candidacy is freezing the field": "It's unrelated to me. There's plenty of time. ... It is important at this stage that there be a strong Democratic governor with a sense of where this state needs to go. And it doesn't necessarily have to be me" (Sandalow, 9/12).