San Francisco mayor: 'I'm about more than just gay marriage'
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom was lying semi-low this morning.
He strolled toward City Hall about 40 minutes after the nuptials began –- tieless, jacketless, crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the neck. First one reporter accosted him, then a second, a third and finally there was a gaggle surrounding the man who unleashed California's gay marriage in San Francisco four years ago.
Since that heady time of 4,000-plus same-sex weddings, Newsom’s been blamed for hurting John Kerry’s White House chances. He’s positioning himself for a possible run for governor.
He was asked about the historic day: “One thing you can’t control is love, and when you find it, it’s a glorious gift. That’s what we’re celebrating today.”
Asked about a possible move for the 49ers football team, Newsom appeared relieved to talk about something other than the weddings -– even though he was scheduled to preside over one himself.
When a television reporter tried to get him back to the subject at hand -– the happy couples streaming in behind him, the rainbow signs and media crush -– he bristled.
“I’m about more than just gay marriage,” Newsom said. “I’m about healthcare and education. These are important things.”
-- Maria L. La Ganga
