Mickey Kaus to run for Senator from California against Barbara Boxer?

Whoa!

There's still some wiggle room as to whether he's going to be a candidate. But he's quoted as saying he's "taken out the nomination papers, to gather the necessary signatures," and "file[d] a 'candidate registration and qualification form.'"

I've been reading Kaus regularly for 10 years, and listening to him regularly for 4 years. ("Watching" might seem more appropriate since that link goes to his Bloggingheads video conversations, but I usually listen to them as podcasts.) I've often used his material on my blog.

Mickey Kaus is a great voice in American politics. He has a rare ability to convincingly blend moderation and skepticism with decisiveness and clarity.

So, I'm very excited about this possible run. I won't be able to vote, since I live in New York state. But I'll be keeping an eye on this race if Kaus does enter.


UPDATE: Kaus breaks the silence on his blog:

I did go down to the local registrar's office Monday and take out nomination papers to run in the primary for U.S. Senator against Barbara Boxer. If I return them in timely fashion with enough signatures, I should be able to get on the June ballot. We'll see what happens.

This isn't the place to make an electioneering spiel--I don't want to be a test case of campaign finance law if I can help it. But the basic idea would be to argue, as a Democrat, against the party's dogma on several major issues (you can guess which ones). Likeminded Dem voters who assume they will vote for Sen. Boxer The Incumbent in the fall might value a mechanism that lets them register their dissent in the primary.

UPDATE (3/12/10): He says he's gathered enough signatures and filed the necessary papers. Here's his opening statement.