Democrat Mayor Gavin Newsom quits bid for California governor's office
Gavin Newsom, the controversial mayor of San Francisco, abandoned his bid for the Democratic nomination to run for California governor next year, succeeding term-limited Republican incumbent Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Newsom said he made the decision with "great regret" because he "found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to -- and should be -- done." (See his full statement below.)
The harsh political reality, however, is the real reason is his campaign was getting no statewide traction or much money, despite recent campaign help[ from ex-President Clinton. Ex-governor, ex-mayor, current Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown remains the invisible 800-pound donkey in the political room. Brown hasn't even....
...announced as a candidate and has raised in excess of $7 million, several times that accumulated by Newsom.
The sudden move -- always watch out for Friday afternoons in politics -- officially leaves the Democratic field temporarily empty of heavyweights seeking to head the nation's most populous state.
On the Republican side, Meg Whitman, Steve Poizner and Tom Campbell are competing for the GOP nod.
Here is the full text of Newsom's statement:
It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California. With a young family and responsibilities at city hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to — and should be — done.
This is not an easy decision. But it is one made with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats.
When I embarked on this campaign in April, my goal was to engage thousands and thousands of Californians dedicated to reforming our broken system and bringing change to Sacramento.
I would like to thank those supporters, volunteers, and donors who have worked so hard on my behalf. I have been humbled by their support and am indebted to their efforts. They represent the spirit of change and determination essential to putting California back on the right track.I will continue to fight for change and the causes and issues for which I care deeply — universal health care, a cleaner environment, and a green economy for our families, better education for our children, and, of course, equal rights under the law for all citizens.
-- Andrew Malcolm
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It's a shame. He would have made a great governor. Maybe in 8 years (or 4 if the GOP retains the governor's seat in the next election).
Posted by: Noah | October 30, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Newsom is too frank about his desire to tax and spend. Californians prefer a candidate who poses as a fiscal conservative and then spends like there is no tomorrow after assuming office.
Posted by: Nicolas Martin | October 30, 2009 at 04:43 PM
bye bye Gavin Nuisance
Posted by: Bob jones | October 30, 2009 at 04:50 PM
Newsom's real reason = He would get pounced on by opponents for his affair escapade - sleeping with his chief of staff (best friend's) wife. Liberal SF is forgiving, the rest of the state is not and he would lose because of it. To simply cheat on a spouse is one thing but with his particular circumstances in doing it while closely working in government with both of them, it displays character that is breathtakingly beyond amazing.
Posted by: CJ Williams | October 30, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Don't know him, however, he seems to not have any trouble utilizing his friends to get what he wants; this should qualify him to be a great public executive. I suspect there may some part of this story the public is not aware of just yet!
Posted by: Harvey | October 31, 2009 at 06:40 AM
He is the face of Gay Marriage in California and most people oppose Gay Marriage.
Posted by: NoteverythingisOK | October 31, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Maybe the doofus finally realized that a political base of homosexuals and illegal aliens wasn't going to get him very far. I am disappointed he dropped out because I was looking forward to the political attacks on him.
Posted by: Uncle Bernie | November 01, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Oh come on California has to have soemone better than brown to run for governor or Meg whitman for that matter.Mr feel good brown should be the leader of nothing.What did he do as governor? not a thing.Meg whitman is no better and how she handle things as CEO of a company shows she would not handle Caligornia well.Are either of these or any of these people going to work for 1.00 a year?
Posted by: hellian | November 04, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Good, the lying, cheating, back-stabbing fool has no business in politics. Any of you who thought he did just get what you deserve. Sadly though, the rest of us who do know better have to suffer as well. Very Typical of the way California is set up for the Liberal cause. IE Pelosi. SF elects her, and the rest of the country has to suffer through her obnoxious crap. This must be rectified... Soon.
Posted by: Renno | November 05, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Gavin Spewsom is the face of gay marriage, huh?
That's funny, because he parasitized off the movement for his own political gain, and to the detriment of the movement.
"Gay marriage is coming to California, whether you LIKE IT OR NOT!!!"
Oops!
Posted by: Marshall | November 11, 2009 at 03:32 PM