Barbara Lee's senate hopes take a hit

What Biden told Lee about her forthcoming bill to repeal military-use law; Oakland has a sidewalk parking problem; EBMUD's PFAS lawsuit; Rumors of big money coming to SD9 primary race

Barbara Lee called Gov. Gavin Newsom’s comments on Sunday “insulting” to black women. If a replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein is needed, Newsom said he would appoint a black woman not already in the senate race.

ELECTION 2024

U.S. SENATE

—‘INSULTING’—Despite all the underwhelming data points, Barbara Lee’s chances in the U.S. Senate March Primary are not bad. They would be much better if Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Lee to the seat, in the event Sen. Dianne Feinstein retires before the end of her term,.

—This potential scenario has always been Lee’s trump card. On Sunday, Newsom put a kibosh on the strategy.

—Appearing on “Meet the Press,” Newsom reiterated that he would choose to appoint a black woman to Feinstein’s seat, if she retires before the end of 2024. When pressed, Newsom said the pick, if it is required, “would be essentially a caretaker.”

—Newsom also added that he would not select someone already running in the March Primary. That would exclude Lee from the pool of possible candidates.

—Lee did not take kindly to the governor’s comments. “If the Governor intends to keep his promise and appoint a black woman to the Senate, the people of California deserve the best possible person for that job,” Lee said. “Not a token appointment.”

—On Monday, Lee’s senate campaign used Newsom’s comments as a vehicle for fundraising.

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