"There's been a wide variety of people who have come to him and who he has used as a sounding board to talk about the job of attorney general and the role it takes, the profile it has in terms of moving California forward," said Harvey Englander, a Democratic political strategist who managed both of Shriver's successful runs for Santa Monica City Council. Englander, who described himself as "very close" to Shriver, called the role of California's top cop "a very powerful position" and one that is "closest to fitting his profile." Current Attorney General Jerry Brown, a Democrat and former governor who ran for president against Shriver's uncle Ted in 1980, is widely expected to run for governor in 2010. Shriver, a graduate of Yale Law School, would certainly bring star power to the attorney general's race. Despite his family's long political history, Shriver is a relative political newcomer. First elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 2004, he was re-elected last year, finishing atop the field each time.
Bobby Shriver weighs running for state attorney general in California
Bobby Shriver, first lady's brother, weighs running for state attorney general
By Shane Goldmacher
sgoldmacher@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Mar. 13, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 3A
Bobby Shriver, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the brother of California first lady Maria Shriver, is mulling a run for state attorney general next year, according to his political adviser.
The 54-year-old Democrat is a member of what is perhaps America's most famous political dynasty, the Kennedy clan.
His father, Sargent Shriver, was the 1972 Democratic candidate for vice president. Of his other uncles, Robert Kennedy was U.S. attorney general and U.S. senator, and Ted Kennedy has served in the U.S. Senate for years.
"There's been a wide variety of people who have come to him and who he has used as a sounding board to talk about the job of attorney general and the role it takes, the profile it has in terms of moving California forward," said Harvey Englander, a Democratic political strategist who managed both of Shriver's successful runs for Santa Monica City Council.
Englander, who described himself as "very close" to Shriver, called the role of California's top cop "a very powerful position" and one that is "closest to fitting his profile."
Current Attorney General Jerry Brown, a Democrat and former governor who ran for president against Shriver's uncle Ted in 1980, is widely expected to run for governor in 2010.
Shriver, a graduate of Yale Law School, would certainly bring star power to the attorney general's race.
Despite his family's long political history, Shriver is a relative political newcomer. First elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 2004, he was re-elected last year, finishing atop the field each time.
Englander said he and Shriver have spoken about the scrutiny Shriver's cousin Caroline Kennedy recently endured as she floated her name as a candidate for U.S. Senate in New York to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. She ultimately withdrew.
"One of the big differences between his cousin and he is Bobby has been in the public arena for a good part of his adult life," Englander said, noting that Shriver has co-founded two organizations, Product (Red) and DATA, to fight disease in Africa with U2's Bono.
Before Shriver jumps into the race, he might want to shore up his relationship with his brother-in-law: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The GOP governor dropped both Shriver and actor-director Clint Eastwood from posts on the state parks commission last year after they opposed a toll road through a Southern California state park that Schwarzenegger supported.
Call Shane Goldmacher, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5544.
