Candidates Major •
Barbara Boxer (D), incumbent U.S. Senator •
Bill Jones (R), former California Secretary of State
Minor •
Marsha Feinland (PF), perennial candidate •
James P. Gray (L),
Superior Court jurist • Don J. Grundmann (AI)
Campaign Boxer originally had planned to retire in 2004 but changed her mind to "fight for the right to dissent" against conservatives such as House Majority Leader
Tom DeLay. Jones was widely considered as the underdog. Jones got a major endorsement from the popular Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two major candidates had a debate. Pre-election polling had Boxer leading in double digits. But he never released a single TV ad. Boxer portrayed Jones as too conservative for California, citing his votes in the California Assembly (1982 to 1994) against gun control and an increased minimum wage, and in support of offshore drilling and a loosening of environmental regulations.
Fundraising Jones raised about $700,000 more than Boxer during the third quarter, pulling in $2.5 million to Boxer's $1.8 million. But overall, Boxer has raised $16 million to Jones' $6.2 million. And Boxer has spent about $7 million on radio and television ads alone.
Predictions Polling == Results ==