Clinton Boosts Newsom in Calif. Gov Race

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

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2009 2:52 AM CDT

(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.

[Images (4)]

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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. (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. (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. (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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Clinton Boosts Newsom in Calif. Gov Race