Newsom Early Favorite in 2010 Governor’s RaceRandy Shawbyline‚ Apr. 29‚ 2008Although California’s 2010 Democratic gubernatorial primary is nearly two years away, there is considerable interest in this race. I wrote back in November that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom would be “looking to burnish his statewide credentials” in anticipation of running for Governor. To this end, Newsom has relentlessly touted his “green” agenda, widely promoted the city’s universal health care plan, and sought to preempt a city budget crisis that would undermine his financial management credentials. He has also aggressively campaigned for Hillary Clinton, a move that will not pay dividends in an Obama Administration but will help him secure endorsements and money for the governor’s race. With Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa increasingly unlikely to run for governor, Newsom might only have to defeat Jerry Brown and Steve Westly to secure the nomination. |