Democrats attending the party’s statewide convention in downtown L.A. this weekend appeared divided over whether U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein should resign over her declining health.
LAist spoke with about two dozen Democrats at the convention; many agonized over the question of whether Feinstein should step down.
“It’s a very sensitive issue,” said Shivam Patel of San Jose.
“I’m conflicted,” said Linda Sell of Sunnyvale.
“It is hard, because you know you have sympathy for her because she’s going through a lot with her shingles,” noted Christian Israelian of Whittier.
Feinstein has represented California since 1992. Her current term ends in Jan. 2025. She has said she will not seek another term.
‘Enjoy the fruits of her legacy’
“She’s been amazing. She’s done such a great job,” said Julie Dean of Long Beach. But like many, Dean said Feinstein should step down now. “It looks like she is losing her memory at times and I don’t think she is going to be able to represent us well.”
Recent reports say Feinstein, 89, contracted encephalitis along with her shingles during her recent two month absence from Washington, D.C.
Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain that can leave people with persistent memory or language problems. Feinstein has looked disoriented at times.
Concerns about Feinstein’s health have increased in recent weeks amid reports she was confused about whether she had been absent from the Senate and photos that showed her frail in a wheelchair surrounded by aides who attempted to shield her from reporters.
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