Dianne Feinstein Still Believes the Senate Can Work and more in this week's issue of Political Breakdown: Election 2018

If you are having trouble reading this email, [read the online version](. [KQED Logo]( October 30, 2018 Good morning! The finish line is near, as we are one week away from election day. Next week we'll have our normal Tuesday newsletter, setting up what to watch on election night. Then on Wednesday, stay tuned for a bonus newsletter filled with results from the biggest races we're watching. — Scott, Marisa, Katie, and Guy [Dianne Feinstein Pushes Back on 'Style' Questions, Says 'I Get Things Done' in Senate]( "I don't know what this 'style' business suddenly is here," Senator Dianne Feinstein bristeled when Scott asked her if her consensus-building style can still work in the Senate. Feinstein joined Political Breakdown to talk about her historic career and vision for a potential sixth term. Feinstein shared how her childhood shaped her world view and political style. "I was the oldest of three daughters, so a number of responsibilities fell on me," she said. "I got used to responsibility very early and I grew to enjoy it." Feinstein's first career-defining moment was discovering the body of Harvey Milk after he was assassinated along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. "It's still very traumatic for me to look back on," she said. "Because those assassinations were everything that was not supposed to happen." The shootings thrust Feinstein into the Mayor's Office, but lesser known is that Feinstein had decided before that day to step away from politics. "I just thought enough was enough," she remembers. What's Feinstein's top priority for a potential sixth term? "I'm trying to draft a big immigration bill," she said. "I want to see if I can do it. Can I write a bill which I can also get through the House?" And don't miss [Political Breakdown's interview]( with Feinstein's opponent in the race, State Senator Kevin de Leon. [What's Next for Nancy Pelosi?]( What's the future for the 78-year-old Pelosi, a 15-term Democrat who's been enormously successful raising money and keeping her diverse caucus together on important votes but is vilified by the right? Marisa explored the House miniority leader's future -- putting the question to Pelosi biographer Marc Sandalow. "Sandalow says there are three possible scenarios that could play out after Election Day: If Republicans keep the House, it seems unlikely that Pelosi could hold onto power. If Democrats win control by a huge margin, the speakership is likely hers for the taking. But if Democrats take the house by only a small margin, it's a little stickier for Pelosi, Sandalow said." [In Final Stretch, Democrat Mike Levin Hopes to Flip 49th District House Seat]( We're continuing our tour of close Congressional districts in the state -- this week Katie checks in from the 49th district, spanning parts of San Diego and Orange counties. Not that long ago, this was a safe GOP seat. But for several reasons, it's not anymore. First, the district’s population is less white and more Latino than it used to be. Additionally, fewer voters there are registering as Republicans. Finally, the electorate was growing increasingly dissatisfied with Republican congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista), who won his 2016 re-election by just over 1,600 votes, beating a relatively unknown Democrat with many fewer resources. # [Proposition 5 Renews California's Debate Over Property Taxes]( What’s allowed under Proposition 13, California's landmark law limiting property taxes, is back on the ballot again this November. Proposition 5 seeks to expand Proposition 13 even farther and eliminate the requirement that county officials be on board before a lower tax assessment transfers across county lines. Under Proposition 5, that portability would extend to all 58 counties in California, whether or not local elected officials want it. Scott talked with realtors, homeowners, and elected officials on both sides of the Prop 5 debate. [Should Big Business Pay to Fight Homelessness, Transportation Woes?]( It's the hottest political debate in the Bay Area: should big corporations pay more taxes to address the region's biggest problems? Voters will weigh in on tax measures in San Francisco, Mountain View, and East Palo Alto. Proposition C in SF has been the most controversial, sparking a clash of tech titans, dividing political allies and lead the city's new mayor to make the most controversial decision of her tenure. [Election 2018 Resources for Teaching and Learning]( Young people are making their voices heard this election season whether they are old enough to vote or not. KQED Education has a great toolkit of resources to help students lead, organize, and participate in the election. [Opponents of Gas Tax Repeal Don Wigs and Heels for Political Bike Ride]( Behold the pink heels of State Senator Scott Wiener. Cyclists decked out in wigs, sequins and stilettos took to the streets of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood this weekend to advocate against Proposition 6, which would repeal a recent increase in the state's gas tax and vehicle fee. The "Hair and Heels" bike ride was organized in response to comments from California congressional candidate Diane Harkey. [Harkey said]( that if Proposition 6 didn't pass, people would be forced to bike and take trains, and that wouldn't work for her because of her "hair and heels." Said Carl DeMaio, chairman of the Yes on 6 campaign: "No amount of props like hair and heels changes the fact that working families can't afford gas [tax] and car [fee] increases." [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Donate]( [Manage Subscription]( | [Privacy Policy]( KQED 2601 Mariposa St. San Francisco, CA 94110 Copyright © 2018 [KQED](. All Rights Reserved.