Blogger Anger over Newsom’s Choice of Garry SouthRandy Shawbyline‚ Aug. 07‚ 2008After recently attending Netroots Nation in Austin, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom appeared to be the bloggers’ preferred candidate for the 2010 California Governor’s race. But Newsom’s choice of Garry South to head his campaign has aroused great anger among this influential base. Back in January 2007, Brian Leubitz of Calitics wrote “An Open Letter to All Presidential Candidates”, urging them to reject South as a possible campaign manager. Leubitz cited South’s “utter disdain for the base of his party,” and argued that progressives must “put principle-free party operatives like this far, far away from our campaigns.” This week, after word emerged of Newsom’s hiring of South, blogger Bob Brigham denounced the choice, noting South’s prior work for Gray Davis and Joe Lieberman. Should Newsom have avoided South? Or does hiring the manager of the state’s last winning Democratic gubernatorial candidate send a message (especially to potential donors) that Newsom is in the race to win? |