California Sen. Barbara Boxer is indicating that she will announce early next year whether she will seek a fifth term.
Boxer, who is 73, says she loves her job and sees no roadblocks to returning to the Senate if she decides to run again. California has several high-profile Democrats who might have their eye on higher office, including Attorney General Kamala Harris and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor.
Boxer's current six-year term expires in 2016. She says she has routinely waited until the previous election season concluded before deciding whether to run and will do the same this time. She promised the decision would come early in the election cycle, but would not be more specific.
Boxer's comments came Thursday during a meeting with reporters.
