Boxer ready for tough campaign

Sen. Barbara Boxer acknowledges she faces the fight of her political life as opponents stir up skepticism about federal spending on economic stimulus and health care reform. Kevin Modesti in the Daily News.

"These are tough times, so it's a tough race, and I accept that," Boxer said Wednesday after a speech and Q&A session with about 100 members of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association.

If the third-term California Democrat was looking for encouragement, she got little from her 30-minute appearance in front of Los Angeles-area business leaders, most of whom would be more likely to hear what they want from Republican hopefuls Tom Campbell, Chuck DeVore and Carly Fiorina.