Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., in a 51-minute speech in Stockton on Tuesday, repeatedly demonstrated why she's been elected three times to represent Californians.

Feinstein, 72, is a model Democrat savvy enough to sprinkle her talk with a modicum of moderation and tough-on-crime conservatism.

She managed to be passionate and measured, careful and yet forceful.

Above all, Feinstein demonstrated the kind of intelligence and maturity that have earned her widespread respect among her colleagues in Washington, D.C., and constituents in California.
She long ago abandoned the stridency that characterizes fellow Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who alienates as often as she attracts.

It's little wonder - despite many disagreements - that Feinstein and Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, have managed to find ways to collaborate.

Indicators of Feinstein's middle-of-the-road political journey:

» Immigration: "The key is to control the border," she said. "I've never believed you couldn't. In California, we've proved that our fence works, but illegal immigrants have pushed east to Arizona."

Feinstein mentioned pending legislation that would deploy technology more effectively and 2,400 new Border Patrol agents scheduled to be hired.

She also acknowledged changing her mind about agriculture's dependence on undocumented workers: "We must see that those who work in farming - the law-abiding noncitizens who pay taxes - are able to stay."

» President Bush: Feinstein doesn't support Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who called for censure of Bush over domestic wiretapping in the war on terrorism.

"It's premature," she said, referring to the need to revise the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 because of rapid changes in technology.

» The war in Iraq: Feinstein said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld must resign. "Our policies are not working," she said. "I have never known a time when there was so much hatred toward the U.S. across the world. The president needs to change the Defense team."

» Delta levees: She prefers a state-local-federal approach. "Richard Pombo and I are trying to get $23 million to help," she said, noting that one levee collapse during heavy spring runoffs could have a devastating effect on California's water supply and economy.

» Federal budget: "We have a $400 billion deficit and an $8.25 trillion national debt that could reach $11.1 trillion by 2011. Something's gotta change."

» Law enforcement: Feinstein, who met with San Joaquin County public safety officials, described the rise in violent gangs as the state's No. 1 crime challenge.

Feinstein's steady delivery, consistent message and local awareness make her an effective U.S. senator.

The former mayor of San Francisco represents 37.5 million Californians, but she's never forgotten that all politics are local.