By Edward-Isaac Dovere | CNN
Washington — Sen. Dianne Feinstein has grown isolated over the years from most members of her California delegation and other Democrats in her home state, feeding a discontent among allies who tell CNN they now wish for a more engaged and energetic senior senator.
Dozens of elected California Democrats who might otherwise interact with Feinstein on a regular basis tell CNN they long ago stopped expecting to. They wish she could give advice and collaborate, tackling issues proactively as an active partner in the Senate. They’re bitter about it – and some also tell CNN that the situation means their constituents haven’t been getting the work they elected their senior senator to do.
It’s been six weeks since Feinstein came back to the Senate from an extended medical absence for shingles. Aides say her work level is picking back up, but her return has done little to shut down questions about her fitness for office.
CNN’s outreach this month to every member of the House of Representatives from California and 20 key players in California politics reveals a level of detachment on Feinstein’s part that stands out even in Washington, where congressional staffers tend to handle much of the day-to-day legislating. Asked to discuss their working relationship with the senator, many responded with extended “ums” or groans. Many spoke on the record, while others requested anonymity to speak frankly about a delicate political matter.
“The last time I spoke with her on anything face-to-face was right before the pandemic,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz, estimating that conversation about designating a natural monument in his district was over three years ago.
Rep. Mike Levin said the last direct interaction with Feinstein he could pinpoint was shortly after he first won his San Diego-area seat in 2018.
“It’s been quite a while,” Levin said. “I don’t speak with her on a regular basis, and that’s been before any of the…
Read the full article here