Feinstein Shoots Down Rumor Mill

While not definitively ruling out a run, California Senator Dianne Feinstein agreed with the suggestion that a gubernatorial campaign was "very unlikely."

Some hoped that Feinstein, who with 16 years in the senate is one of California's most potent political figures, would return to the state and use her power to solve lingering problems.

California is facing a budget shortfall over the next few years, with recent estimates raising the figure from $21 billion to $24 billion.

A series of ballot initiatives in the recent special election intended to fix some of the budget mess were shot down by voters.

It's certainly good news to other gubernatorial hopefuls in both parties, as Feinstein was considered a lock for the Democratic nomination and a likely victor against any Republican candidate.

Jackson West figures this means Attorney General Jerry Brown and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom should probably send Feinstein flowers.