Rice may run for CA governor

Condi Rice, while rejecting a challenge to Sen. Boxer (only Simon would be so stupid), seems to be considering running for governor of California in 2006.

While state Republicans are excited about using Rice to debunk the "stereotype" that they are all white and male, analysts from both sides of the aisle are more skeptical:

"It really depends on the war . . and that's a big if," says Democratic political consultant Gale Kaufman of Rice's potential as a candidate. "She's completely wrapped her arms around Iraq -- and I'm not sure that's as good a resonating message here as it would be somewhere else."

Said one leading GOP strategist who spoke not for attribution: "Depending on what happens (on the national front), she could be strengthened or hurt -- and even then, Bush still has this thing called the economy."

Interestingly enough, the article suggests that the state GOP has all but surrender to Boxer next year, pinning their hopes on gubernatorial bids by Rice or Schwarzenegger in 2006.

Posted February 27, 2003 05:51 PM | Comments (30)