Overheard in Fog City

Luke Thomas
FCJ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Adam Aufdencamp

By Luke Thomas

November 28, 2007, 7:24 a.m.

Nation looking "more closely" at District 3 Senate race

Former California Assemblymember Joseph Nation (D-Marin/Sonoma) is closer to making a decision about his possible entry into the District 3 senatorial race.

"I have not made a decision yet, but I am looking at it more closely," Nation told Fog City yesterday.

"I haven't formed a committee yet, but I have to work quickly," he added.

Joe Nation
Photo courtesy ca.gov

Though Nation, 50, ran unsuccessfully to unseat Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) in 2006, his name recognition in Marin and Sonoma counties, coupled with his campaigning experience, could combine to make the D3 race outcome even more difficult to predict.

Conventional wisdom, however, suggests Nation, who lives in San Rafael, will likely draw votes away from incumbent Senator Carole Migden who is already facing stiff challenges from Assemblymember Mark Leno and San Francisco Police Commissioner Joe Alioto-Veronese.

Reached for comment, Migden said of Nation's possible candidacy: "If Joe Nation joins the race - he's more than welcome to - and, as you know, there have been some different gentlemen who, at different times, have talked about entering the race. So, we'll monitor that and, of course, we'll look forward to the unveiling of any and all candidacies. We're feeling very good about our representation."

Migden declined to answer follow-up questions. "I've made my comment. Thank you," she said.

As to when Nation is expected to formerly announce his decision?

"I'll make a final decision in December, within two to three weeks," he said.

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