SAN FRANCISCO -- In an announcement that shocked few in the Golden State political world, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that he will run for governor in 2010 on Tuesday morning.
Newsom ended an extended period of exploration for the office after conducting a series of town hall meetings across the state. Newsom made his announcement nearly simultaneously 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's success in healthcare and education and for its comparative stable muncipal 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 the termed out Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger follows Lt. Gov. John Garamendi who has been an announced candidate for several months now.
The other two high-profile candidate "shoes" that have yet to drop in the race include those of Attorney General Jerry Brown and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Brown, who previously served as governor in the pre-term limit mid-1970's, is widely expected to run again. Feinstein, a formidable electoral threat to all Democrats, is expected to remain in Washington as chairwoman of the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee. Finally, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has made no secret that he too would like to be governor.
Garamendi, a perennial gubernatorial candidate, has also indicated lately that he may ultimately take a differnt path and pursue running for the soon-to-be vacated seat held by U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher in the 10th Congressional District instead. Tauscher is expected to be appointed Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security in the Obama Administration.
Amongst Republicans gunning for governor in 2010, the candidate field is much smaller. GOPers so far interested in the job include former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, former Congressman Tom Campbell and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.
Follow Jeff Mitchell at his political blog at www.bapolitix.org