By GOSIA WOZNIACKA
Associated Press
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Sen. Dianne Feinstein says pending federal spending cuts could cost thousands of jobs in California.
The veteran Democratic lawmaker on Tuesday said the so-called "fiscal cliff" of deep federal spending cuts and tax increases that is looming at the end of the year would "hurt California very badly."
During an address before the Maddy Institute in Fresno, Feinstein urged a compromise by which Congress would pass another budget deal that would include steps to reduce the deficit.
Citing a George Mason University study, she says California would lose 225,000 jobs in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, including 135,000 defense jobs.
Feinstein's comments came a week before Election Day, when she is seeking a fourth full term. Her opponent, Republican Elizabeth Emken, has little name recognition and little money.
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