The LA Times is reporting that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson has opened an exploratory committee today in his quest to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s hardly "breaking news," since Newsom is obviously an ambitious politician. But it’s still sure to cause some movement in the Democrat camp. There’s already buzz that several high-profile Democrats may give Newsom a run for his money in a primary. The most obvious challengers would be Lt. Governor John Garamendi, Attorney General (and former governor) Jerry Brown, and fellow mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Times is speculating that Newsom will make a final decision about his race by the end of the year.
Governor Newsom is certainly the last thing California needs during this chaotic time in our state’s history. After all, it was Newsom who publicly defied Proposition 22 by marrying homosexual couples, provoking the disastrous California Supreme Court ruling regarding marriage. Whether Proposition 8 (the marriage constitutional amendment) passes in November will be a real test for Newsom. He’ll continue to receive lots of media coverage throughout the campaign because of his role in the whole mess. He’s already the darling of left-wing radicals, but if he’s smart, he’ll steer clear of becoming the poster boy for the anti-Prop 8 campaign. Even in left-leaning California, a politician shouldn’t blatantly flaunt their radical beliefs. And according to recent polling, the majority of Californians still agree with the traditional definition of marriage.
In addition to social issue problems, Newsom’s reign in San Francisco has hardly been scandal free. He’s made opposition research easy for his opponents. With the state budget ballooning out of control, and a host of other problems facing the state, I doubt Democrat primary voters, let alone all other voters, will be willing to place a bet on the king of San Fran”freak show”.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 am
Gavin Newsom would be a disaster as governor. San Francisco had a $6.1 Billion budget last fiscal year, more then 20 states. This year he added an additional $500 Million and claims he is $338 Million short. The assistant city controller was quoted in as saying words to the effect the S.F.’s revenues is strong, but the Mayor & Board of Supervisors send too much. Sound familiar? Newsom thinks that the government is the Human Resources Department of every business and can dictate wages, health care benefits, sick leave, etc.
Anybody but Gavin!!!!