San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who built a national reputation pushing cutting-edge -- and controversial -- policies on same-sex marriage, healthcare and other issues, launched an exploratory bid for governor Tuesday.
His move placed the 40-year-old, two-term mayor out in front of a large Democratic field eyeing the race to succeed Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is barred by term limits from running again in 2010. Newsom said he expected to decide by year's end whether to proceed with a full-fledged candidacy.
[...]
In an interview Tuesday, Newsom said he was mindful of the city's somewhat eccentric reputation and alluded to the "values" issues -- political code for gay rights and other left-leaning positions -- that opponents may try to use to his political detriment. "Bring that on," he said after signing the papers creating his campaign committee.
"We're about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it," Newsom said. "I'm proud of that; I'm not going to hide from that.... So now let's talk about healthcare, education, the environment. Let's have a conversation about your kids and what you want this state to look like five, 10 years from now."
Newsom, who blends movie-star looks with a wonkish devotion to public policy, faces other impediments apart from the strong competition.
via LA Times
Labels: 2010, gavin newsom, san francisco
