SF Mayor Exploring Bid For Governor

Newsom's decision makes Jerry Brown virtual lock for Dem nod

(NEWSER) - Citing his responsibilities as San Francisco mayor and as a new father, Democrat Gavin Newsom withdrew today from the race to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger as California governor. Despite the heavyweight endorsement of Bill Clinton, Newsom has had trouble raising money; his departure leaves state attorney general, and former governor, Jerry Brown virtually unchallenged for the party’s 2010 nomination. More»

Focus on issue could mount with new ballot initiative

(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. More»

Mayor proposes hefty tax hike to make smokers cover litter removal

(NEWSER) - San Francisco's mayor believes non-smokers shouldn't have to cover the costs of cleaning up cigarette butts, the New York Times reports. Gavin Newsom has proposed a 33-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes sold, which he says will cover the $10 million a year it costs to pick up after smokers who treat the city like an ashtray—as well as helping persuade more people to kick the habit. More»

(NEWSER) - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom made his candidacy for California governor official today with nary a word, the Chronicle reports—except on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Though Newsom plans to publicize his run with in-person appearances, an adviser called the old sort of announcement “passé.” The state’s Democratic convention is just days away, with many potential office-seekers still unannounced. More»

Newsom presided over lesbian teacher's wedding attended by students playing hooky

(NEWSER) - In California’s gay marriage fight, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom finds himself cast as the villain, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Newsom, a ban opponent, had largely kept a low profile. But he gave Proposition 8 supporters fodder on Friday by officiating at the wedding of a lesbian teacher, attended by her class-skipping first-graders. “This is promoting same-sex marriage and indoctrinating young kids,” says the ban campaign manager. More»