Was Newsom Firing Spree a Ploy to Raise Campaign Cash?Paul Hogarthbyline‚ Sep. 12‚ 2007Heads are buzzing around Mayor Newsom’s request to have all department heads and commission appointees resign, so he can decide who to keep in January after his re-election. Such a drastic step seems highly irrational, as if the Mayor were getting rid of a few bad apples under the auspices of “cleaning house.” But Beyond Chron has learned from a source familiar with Newsom campaign manager Eric Jaye’s tactics that another agenda could be at play. With no serious opponent this November, Newsom is having trouble raising money – and the threat of losing your job may be an incentive for city commissioners and department heads to contribute. Fear is what will keep these subjects loyal, and sending $500 to the Newsom re-election campaign would make the boss very happy. It’s a deeply cynical move, but it explains why the Mayor would suddenly ask everyone to “tender their resignation" two months before the election. |