The surprisingly close Senate race between newcomer W. Mitt Romney and six-term senator Edward M. Kennedy '54-'56 may be one of the most closely watched contests in recent history, but many Harvard students aren't impressed.

Some students say they're more interested in politics in their home states, where equally dramatic races are taking place. And others say they aren't interested in politics at all.

In California, Republican nominee and political newcomer Michael Huffington is giving Democratic incumbent Dianne Feinstein a tough challenge.

Having poured $11 million of his own money into the campaign, Huffington closed the gap between himself and the heavily favored incumbent.

"I'm voting Republican," says Matthew P. Cornue '98, a California resident planning to vote by absentee ballot. "[Feinstein] is allocating too much money to the wrong areas, like social programs."

The California governor's race is also hotly contested. Republican Governor Pete Wilson is facing a serious challenge from state treasurer, California political legacy and Democratic nominee Kathleen Brown.

Many Brown supporters say they weren't satisfied with Wilson's objectives in office.

Although she is not yet old enough to vote, Californian Natasha R. Cupp '98 has been following politics at home closely. "I would vote for Brown," she says. "Pete Wilson simply didn't do anything for the state."

Cupp says she also supports Feinstein, especially for her stands on welfare.

But Cornue also applauds Wilson's record in office. "He's really done a good job as governor--he's made an effort to cut illegal immigration," he says.

Chris J. Exner '95 of Alamo, Calif, says he is undecided, but leans away from the Republican candidates.

"Huffington and Wilson have been on an anti-crime kick, diverting the public from the real issues," Exner says.

Texas

Like California, Texas is also home to an exciting gubernatorial race. Democrat Ann Richards will have to defy history in order to reclaim her office; an incumbent has not been reelected to the Texas governor's seat in over 20 years.

Richards was trailing challenger George W. Bush, son of the former president, by 4 points as of Thursday night, according to Texan N. Van Taylor '96-'95.