Republican Lineup Shifts in Race For Cranston's Seat in California

FORMER United States Rep. Ed Zschau has decided not to run next year for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Alan Cranston, saying he needs to devote his time to his electronics company. His decision clears the way for a run by US Rep. Tom Campbell (R) who has Mr. Zschau's old seat. Mr. Campbell had said he wouldn't seek Senator Cranston's seat if Zschau wanted it. Zschau, a moderate Republican who served two terms in the House before narrowly losing to Cranston in 1986, told the San Francisco Chronicle, "I really wanted to be [senator], and I felt I had an excellent chance, but I realized I would be putting the future of my company in jeopardy if I did." Zschau heads Censtor, a San Jose computer disk-drive company. He said he might be free to seek public office in 1994, when his firm is more fully established.

Other Republicans who may run are US Reps. Robert Dornan and David Dreier and Los Angeles TV commentator Bruce Herschensohn, who sought the nomination in 1986. Democrats expected to try to succeed Cranston are US Reps. Barbara Boxer and Robert Matsui, former Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy. Rep. Mel Levine also has been considering the race.