Calif. gubernatorial hopefuls lining up

SACRAMENTO, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Potential candidates to replace California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010 are already lining up, with some big names still a possibility, observers say.

So far, Republicans such as Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and former U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell, as well as Democratic San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, have formed exploratory gubernatorial committees, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

But many other possible candidates are lurking in the background, most notably U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 75, widely considered to be the state's most prominent Democrat. The Times said Feinstein's friends indicate she is debating whether to enter the governor's race or to stay in Washington at a time when her party has regained control of the country's political agenda.

Also said to mulling a run is former California Controller Steve Westly, 52, and former Gov. Jerry Brown. Aides to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told the Times he has not ruled out a gubernatorial run, but must first concentrate on winning re-election as mayor next year.

Schwarzenegger must leave office in 2010 at the end of his second term under California's term-limits law.