SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)  -- Political pundits have been kicking around the idea that Dianne Feinstein might make another run for California governor since a private poll in July showed the senator would trump all potential Democrats were to jump into the race.

It’s not the first time there’s been buzz about a Feinstein gubernatorial run since she narrowly lost to Pete Wilson in 1990. But Feinstein is still downplaying the notion since her prospects against a Republican challenger are hardly assured.

“If she could have the job of governor without campaigning, no doubt she would trade her Senate seat for it,” said KCBS political analyst Marc Sandalow.

Her long time political strategist has said she's extremely interested and Thursday she told the San Francisco Chronicle she's actively considering a run but probably won't make up her mind until at least after the November election.

Unlike many who make it to Washington, she has remained very active in state and even San Francisco politics. “Her heart is always been in being an executive, back from her days as mayor,” Sandalow said.

If the Democrats win big in Congress, she could very well choose to stay where she is as head of the Senate Rules Committee and a senior member of the Intelligence committee.

KCBS' Holly Quan reports

(jro)