SAN FRANCISCO -- In an announcement thatshocked few in the Golden State political world, San Francisco MayorGavin Newsom announced that he will run for governor in 2010 onTuesday morning.

Newsom ended an extended period of explorationfor the office after conducting a series of town hall meetings acrossthe state. Newsom made his announcement nearlysimultaneously via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

"I'm a candidate for governor of California because I know we can do better," Newsom said in his YouTube spot. "I've seen what can happen when we stop looking back and start looking forward for solutions."

The 41-year-old Newsom touted San Francisco'ssuccess in healthcare and education and for its comparative stablemuncipal finances.

"We figured out that sound fiscal policy isn't conservative or progressive, it's just plain smart for everyone." Newsom's candidacy in the race to replace thetermed out Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger follows Lt. Gov. John Garamendiwho has been an announced candidate for several months now.

Theother two high-profile candidate "shoes" that have yet to drop in therace include those of Attorney General Jerry Brown and U.S. SenatorDianne Feinstein.

Brown,who previously served as governor in the pre-term limit mid-1970's, iswidely expected to run again. Feinstein, a formidable electoral threatto all Democrats, is expected to remain in Washington as chairwoman ofthe powerful Senate Intelligence Committee. Finally, Los Angeles MayorAntonio Villaraigosa has made no secret that he too would like to begovernor.

Garamendi,a perennial gubernatorial candidate, has also indicated lately that hemay ultimately take a differnt path and pursue running for thesoon-to-be vacated seat held by U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher in the 10thCongressional District instead. Tauscher is expected to be appointedUndersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security inthe Obama Administration.

AmongstRepublicans gunning for governor in 2010, the candidate field is muchsmaller. GOPers so far interested in the job include former eBay CEOMeg Whitman, former Congressman Tom Campbell and Insurance CommissionerSteve Poizner.

Follow Jeff Mitchell at his political blog at www.bapolitix.org