| October 30, 2009 Newsom ends run for Calif. governor
|
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who
propelled the debate over gay marriage but struggled to find a
popular message outside the San Francisco Bay area, dropped his bid
for California governor on Friday.
A statement issued by his campaign said he was unable to devote
the time needed to run an effective campaign, citing "a young
family and responsibilities at City Hall."
"This is not an easy decision," he said. "But it is one made
with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of
the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats."
His announcement was not a surprise to those following the
Democratic campaign. Newsom, 41, was unable to find the same
popularity throughout California that he enjoys in his home city.
Attorney General Jerry Brown had a 7-to-1 fundraising edge over
Newsom, even though Brown has not officially announced his
candidacy. A Field Poll earlier this month showed Newsom trailing
Brown by 20 points among likely Democratic voters.
Newsom failed to gain traction even after holding months of town
hall meetings throughout the state and ringing up an endorsement
from former President Bill Clinton.
A Clinton fundraiser that had tickets selling at up $50,000 a
piece failed to give Newsom the financial boost he needed to
compete with a likely run by Brown.
Newsom's exit from the race leaves Brown as the only well-known
Democrat seeking the party's nomination. Brown
did not immediately
return a call seeking comment.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
