News/Campaigns

Ahnold rules out Senate run

So much for those Senate rumors.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) said unequivocally on Wednesday that he will not run for the Senate in 2010.

“I am not running for anything, so no one could threaten me, because I’m not running for Senate, I’m not running for Congress, I’m not running for another term as governor,” Schwarzenegger said at a Cal Expo news conference, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Speculation has been rampant about whether Schwarzenegger, who cannot seek a third term as governor under California law, would challenger Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) next year. The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this week that Schwarzenegger appeared to be opening the door on a possible run, but this quote clearly nixes that possibility.

Bill Whalen, a California Republican strategist who has advised Schwarzenegger in the past, said that he doubts Schwarzenegger would enjoy working in the Senate.

“There

Because of that, Whalen said Schwarzenegger would love a Senate campaign but wouldn’t take to D.C. culture.