Clinton Boosts Newsom in Calif. Gov Race

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»

(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»

Sen. says 2010 campaign hinges on how Dems fare in Nov.

(NEWSER) - Sen. Dianne Feinstein is considering a run for governor of California in 2010, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The chairwoman of the Rules Committee, who was forced to skip this week’s Democratic convention in Denver because of a broken ankle, said her decision will hinge on how congressional Democrats fare in this year’s election. 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»

California gubernatorial race turns ugly early

(NEWSER) - Jerry Brown has $20 million in his California gubernatorial campaign coffers, but the $71 million Meg Whitman spent in securing the Republican nomination has her Democratic opponent worried—so worried he's comparing her to Nazi leader Joseph Goebbels. "Goebbels invented this kind of propaganda," California's current AG said this week. "He took control of the whole world." More»