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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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5

Clinton Boosts Newsom in Calif. Gov Race

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

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(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.

During the 1992 race for the Democratic nomination, Brown accused Clinton of illegally steering contracts to Hillary's firm. "To say there is bad blood between Clinton and Brown is an understatement," said one analyst. Brown, who governed the state from 1975 to 1983, is in first place in the polls with 26% to Newsom's 16%, although Sen. Dianne Feinstein is expected to become the front-runner if she decides to enter the race.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, is introduced by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at a campaign stop in San Francisco, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, is introduced by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at a campaign stop in San Francisco, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Former President Bill Clinton waves from from behind a curtain backstage after speaking to a crowd in Toronto last month.
Former President Bill Clinton waves from from behind a curtain backstage after speaking to a crowd in Toronto last month.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks with former President Bill Clinton before funeral services for Ted Kennedy in Boston last month.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks with former President Bill Clinton before funeral services for Ted Kennedy in Boston last month.   (AP Photo/Brian Snyder, Pool)
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom formally announces his candidacy for California governor at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., April 21, 2009.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom formally announces his candidacy for California governor at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., April 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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Newsom clearly needs a shot in the arm and Bill Clinton has a large Rolodex for California. - Barbara O’Connor, director of
California State University's
Institute for the Study of Politics and Media

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5 comments
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yoeydude
Sep 17, 09 2:59 AM CDT
he could go all the way Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
prowlerzee
Sep 17, 09 6:15 AM CDT
Newsom would be an excellent choice.
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
Snarfeh
Sep 17, 09 11:41 AM CDT
Gavin Newsom rocks. California would do well to vote him in as guv. He's brave and will rock the status quo. Reply
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0
newsrmandan
Sep 17, 09 12:41 PM CDT
Gavin Newsom is the reason why I dislike politicians. He's affected in front of the camera, as if he knows it "on air". This makes him un-genuine. He's a liberal from the most liberal city in the world including Paris and Rio. worst of all he has a self promoting ambition that is ugly especially for a politician. He and Antonio Veriagosa could be twin brothers they are the same. I don't know anything about Meg Whitman or any of the other contenders but Gavin is a poser. Reply
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-1
yoeydude
Oct 6, 09 1:23 AM CDT
to be a glad hander one must make compromises ,... no doubt ,..... but expecting pols to be anything other than flawed , yet useful tools , is inviting disappointment , they are there to be used by us ,.... there fore we bare some responsibility beyond voting ,... we are the ones that should put blade to lathe Reply
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