Staff Reports
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California is facing growing pressure from her own party to resign. The senator, who is 89 years old, has been absent since seeking treatment for shingles in March. Since then, whispers about the senator’s cognitive health have been circulating among Democrats. Now, California Democratic representative Ro Khanna has urged her to retire early as she is “not showing up.”
Top Democrat Congressman Calls For Dianne Feinstein To Resign Immediately: ‘Can No Longer Fulfill Her Duties’ https://t.co/qnkAj031oE pic.twitter.com/uPKq1hsNTY
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) April 12, 2023
Khanna has accused Feinstein of not showing any deference to the American people, who she had promised to serve. He believes that her absence is indefinite, signaling her unwillingness to do her job. Feinstein had earlier announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024.
It’s time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 12, 2023
Interestingly, Khanna has resisted applying the same standard to Democratic Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, who was absent from work for weeks due to depression. Fetterman won a surprise victory last year after suffering a debilitating stroke. He is expected to return to work soon.
However, Khanna maintains that there is a distinction between Feinstein’s absence and Fetterman’s. Feinstein’s absence is indefinite, while Fetterman’s absence is due to medical reasons.
The absence of Feinstein has also sparked controversy over the race for her seat. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee have already lined up for the seat. Khanna has endorsed Lee, a black woman, and has urged Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a “caretaker” to ensure a fair election.
Feinstein has since received support from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.), who dismissed the pressure on Feinstein to resign as “sexist.” It remains to be seen whether Feinstein will resign her seat and whether her absence will affect the 2022 elections.
