OH NO, HERE COME THE WATERWORKS

Darrell Issa has decided not to run for Senate in 2004.

Where does that leave the California GOP in their hopes of ousting Boxer?

Several days ago, Rep. David Dreier, who gained visibility as one of Schwarzenegger's advisers during the recall campaign, also opted out of the Senate race.

Former Secretary of State Bill Jones, who has said he is seriously considering a run for the nomination, said he would make a final decision "right away" but declined to say exactly when.

Candidates must file by Dec. 5 to appear on the March primary ballot.

In other words, not good. Dreier, the only guy with a snowball's chance in Hades of beating Boxer, wants no part of it (not that the righties in the Cali GOP would let him get past the nominating process anyway). And Bill Jones finished a distant, distant third in the race for the 2002 gubernatorial nomination.

Well, looks like Dennis Miller and Kelsey Grammer may get the call after all.