This just in from the AP: "San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ends race for California governor, clearing Democratic field." The decision leaves Attorney General Jerry Brown as the only Democrat in next year's California governor's race.
The San Francisco Chronicle had this quote from Newsom:
"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," he said. "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."
The decision isn't surprising. Newsom trailed Brown by double digits and more in most public opinion polls and his fund-raising didn't meet the campaign's expectations. It was only a matter of time until Newsom admitted the obvious. He did that this afternoon.
Brown issued this statement on Newsom's decision:
"Mayor Newsom is a talented public official and I believe he has a bright future. I am sure this was not an easy decision. Anne and I wish Gavin and his family all the best."
I am amazed that Jerry Brown would be considered as a candidate for the office of governor! Having experienced his previous tenure in that office, I can say that, in my lifetime, he is only surpassed in his ineptness by Jimmie Carter and that is a very close race. I would hope that the people of California would be smarter than this.
Paul...you left "President O'bummer" off your list and why can't Gavin just admit the obvious instead of wrapping it in a non-truth about his family and his city...If he was even or ahead he wouldn't give a rat's patoot about either...Gavin Newsom..."You Lie".
The one guy who is more of a scoundral than Jerry Brown dropped out.
I think it's funny that the party of hope and change will run a old, ineffective, white, former politician for Governor.
This announcement doesn't make me sad at all. I wasn't gonna vote for him anyway. He ia far too arrogant for me but I am happy that he is thinking about his family though. I won't vote for Brown either.
I have to say if the Dem's can't do better then Brown and the Rep's got what they got .We are in trouble gosh I hope the Independant's can come up with some one to run cause all we got are bad choices and more fools running our state.If you don't believe in God it might be a good time to start.
Dana-
I think you're right. Neither political party is discussing candidates that are likely to motivate anyone to get out and vote.
I have to admit though, that given the landscape (budget problems/ term limits/ restless electorate) it's no suprise that a truly talented person has not come forward. The budget problem alone is so huge that solving it will likely take longer than term limits allow and an almost 100% turnover in the legislature.
Dana...Good to see you come back from your self imposed exile.What about Tom McClintock...too conservative for you?
Gavin Newsom lost all his political marbles playing games on a platform with cracks on its surface.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/politics/05maine.html