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Gay Marriage Debate Key to SF Mayor's Future

Focus on issue could mount with new ballot initiative

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2009 12:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – As San Francisco’s mayor looks to become California’s next governor, his gay-marriage activism may threaten his success—especially if voters are again asked to decide the issue for themselves, the AP reports. Though all the Democratic candidates support gay marriage, Gavin Newsom has a particularly strong association with the issue: He directed city clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004.

Should Newsom gain the nomination, the debate “would dominate the mainstream, the thinking of most voters, especially those outside the party who may not hold as sympathetic a perception of gay marriage,” said a pollster. And that could prove a “two-edged sword” in a state that voted 52% to 48% against same-sex marriage in November.

In this photo taken on April 29, 2009, Gavin Newsom talks to reporters before an event in Fresno, Calif.
In this photo taken on April 29, 2009, Gavin Newsom talks to reporters before an event in Fresno, Calif.   (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom answers a question during an interview after the California State Supreme Court ruled in San Francisco, Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom answers a question during an interview after the California State Supreme Court ruled in San Francisco, Tuesday, May 26, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
In this photo taken on April 29, 2009, Gavin Newsom sits with audience members during an event in Fresno, Calif.
In this photo taken on April 29, 2009, Gavin Newsom sits with audience members during an event in Fresno, Calif.   (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Timinator2K
Jun 1, 2009 7:35 AM CDT
Gay Marriage, the Divorce Lawyers of America's ultimate dream. KACHING!
RobN
Jun 1, 2009 6:59 AM CDT
Not surprising, really. He's got a gay daughter and he publicly disagreed with the Bush administration's stance on gay marriage even while in office. Gay marriage is just a matter of time if guys like Newsom will shut the hell up and stop antagonizing people.
plstyle
Jun 1, 2009 6:29 AM CDT
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