By: Michael Doyle and E.J. Schultz / The Fresno Bee
Sen. Dianne Feinstein has just complicated Sen. Barbara Boxer’s search for San Joaquin Valley voters.
By announcing plans to override scientists and boost irrigation deliveries, Feinstein gratified Valley farmers and the region’s farm-friendly lawmakers. She also antagonized some key Democrats and emboldened Republicans hoping to challenge Boxer.
On Friday, Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina sharpened the wedge created by Feinstein’s proposal to rewrite the so-called “biological opinions” that govern California water allocations and protect endangered species like delta smelt and salmon.
“I appreciate Senator Feinstein’s recognition of the disastrous effects the biological opinion is having on the Central Valley,” Fiorina said. “The question remains: Will Senator Boxer join her in standing up for the people of California?”
Feinstein’s still-secret water delivery amendment already has gone through at least half a dozen drafts, according to one person familiar with it.
Three sections include a rewrite of the biological opinions, a specific allocation of water to farmers and financial aid to California salmon fishermen hurt by reduced river flows, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Feinstein’s stated goal is to ensure San Joaquin Valley farmers receive up to 40% of their allocated water deliveries. Last year, farmers got 10%.
Fiorina’s political calculus, in turn, seems a simple case of divide and conquer.
If Boxer endorses outright a plan to rewrite the biological opinions governing California water deliveries, she could alienate her own closest supporters in the environmental community. If Boxer sticks with the current irrigation cutbacks, she could further incite already unhappy farmers.
“I have to imagine that Boxer is absolutely getting pummeled in the Valley,” said Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia.
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