Feinstein signals she is considering run for governor in 2010

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein: Courtesy of Sen. FeinsteinSAN FRANCISCO - California's senior U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, confirmed Thursday that she is indeed considering a run for governor in 2010, further complicating an already potentially complex Democratic gubernatorial field.

Feinstein, who because of a broken ankle sat out the Democratic Convention in Denver, told The San Francisco Chronicle that her decision will be in part made on how many votes Democrats pick up in the Senate this November. The Democrats gain enough votes she may decide to stay in Washington.

"I can't say that since this (convention) started I haven't thought about it, because I have," Feinstein, 75, said in this story. "I want to see how close to 60 votes we can get in the Senate, what the committee structure is, and how best I can use my time."

Feinstein added:

"The job I do now I think is important, and what I really want to do is make a difference," she said. "The question is, how can I best do that? Is it using the seniority I have in the Senate, or is it in getting out there and running for governor?"

If she runs, Feinstein may likely face competition for the governor's office from the likes of such Democratic stalwarts as former governor and current Attorney General Jerry Brown, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.