Feinstein Weighs Run for Calif. Governor

(NEWSER) - Sure, California's going through a little financial Armageddon, but that's not keeping candidates from lining up to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is prevented by term limits from running in 2010. In the New York Times magazine, Mark Leibovitch takes a look at the eclectic field, which includes Jerry Brown ("yes, that Jerry Brown"), San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ("political thrill-seeker"), and former eBay chief Meg Whitman (who promises to provide "adult supervision" for once). More»

Bill's support for SF mayor viewed as Jerry Brown payback

(NEWSER) - Bill Clinton's support for Gavin Newsom in the race to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger as California governor has put the spotlight on the San Francisco mayor's campaign, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Clinton's support has given Newsom a much-needed boost. But some analysts believe it has more to do with Clinton's enmity towards Newsom's rival Jerry Brown than any real fondness for the mayor. More»

With Villaraigosa out, Jerry Brown leads Democratic pack

(NEWSER) - The mayor of Los Angeles said yesterday he will not run for governor of California next year, upending the race to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an interview with the Times, Antonio Villaraigosa said he made the "agonizing" choice to stay at city hall to tackle the fiscal crisis and spiking unemployment. The announcement is a boon for former governor Jerry Brown, the current AG, who is expected to pick up Villaraigosa's support. More»

Stumps for one-time nemesis Jerry Brown, rallies Dems

(NEWSER) - Bill Clinton gave dazed Democrats a swift kick last night, telling California voters to get out the vote, lest they commit "malpractice on your own future." Stumping for onetime nemesis and would-be governor Jerry Brown, the former president told a UCLA rally to give President Obama and Democrats time to finish the job: "It is not enough to have voted for a new president if you will not help him govern and stick behind the members of Congress who stood for him." More»

Democrat's team making 'big announcement' this morning

(NEWSER) - Jerry Brown is set to make it official today and announce his candidacy for governor of California. Brown—derided as Gov. Moonbeam by critics when he ran the state from 1975 to 1983—will be the sole Democrat in the race and will be facing off against either former eBay CEO Meg Whitman or state insurance commissioner Steve Poizner in the November election, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. More»