Dianne Feinstein at 89 is the oldest person serving in the United States Senate.

She’s one of the most senior members of the deliberative body in which seniority brings many privileges.

That seniority brings power to the people of California.

What’s more, and how unusual for a politician of either major party at this American moment, she is an expert at working across the aisle, a moderate Democrat in a time of harsh divisions.

And yet.

At home in the Golden State after a bout of shingles, she has been unable to travel to Washington, D.C. since February. Her colleagues, especially the Democratic ones on the powerful Judiciary Committee, are wishing she could serve. She’s asked to be temporarily replaced so that federal judges can be approved. With 60 votes needed in a Senate with only 51 Democrats, it’s not clear she will get her wish.

Should Dianne Feinstein step down from the Senate?

That’s our Question of the Week for readers.

Naturally your answer could get colored by politics.

So we ask that you answer with the merely practical good for all Californians in mind.

If she were to resign, since it’s the governor who would appoint a replacement to serve until the 2024 election, it’s not as if Gavin Newsom would appoint a Republican.

If he does appoint, should he make it a “caretaker” appointment — someone who pledges not to run for the next six-year term of the seat?

Or should he appoint one of the three leading candidates who’ve already announced for the post — Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank; Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine; Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland — instead, and let the subsequent election chips fall where they may?

Since Newsom promised to appoint a Black woman to the post, should his appointment be of Lee, who is behind the other two members of Congress in fundraising and name recognition anyway?

The decision about resignation is entirely in Feinstein’s hands. Do you think that in the end she will resign before her term is up? Is sexism at play here — would an older man be asked to retire?

Email your thoughts to opinion@scng.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number (it will not be published).