Wow. Statement sent via email:<\/p>\n
It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California. With a young family and responsibilities at city hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to and should be done.<\/p>\n
This is not an easy decision. 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.<\/p>\n
When I embarked on this campaign in April, my goal was to engage thousands and thousands of Californians dedicated to reforming our broken system and bringing change to Sacramento.<\/p>\n
I would like to thank those supporters, volunteers, and donors who have worked so hard on my behalf. I have been humbled by their support and am indebted to their efforts. They represent the spirit of change and determination essential to putting California back on the right track.<\/p>\n
I will continue to fight for change and the causes and issues for which I care deeply – universal health care, a cleaner environment, and a green economy for our families, better education for our children, and, of course, equal rights under the law for all citizens.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
My quick take: Someone else has to jump in the race. There’s no reason to believe anyone else will, or that Dianne Feinstein will. But neither California Democrats, the people of this state, or even Jerry Brown will be served well by an uncontested primary. There are a lot of issues that need to be discussed in this race, and a competitive primary can only produce a stronger candidate (well, as long as it doesn’t turn into a ridiculous mudfest like 2006).<\/p>\n
UPDATE by Robert:<\/b> Matier & Ross and Carla Marinucci cite money woes<\/a> and “lack of momentum” as reasons for quitting.<\/p>\n
…and Evan Halper at the LA Times<\/a> offers this take:<\/p>\n
Although Newsom had been effectively running for more than a year, his campaign never gained much traction. Even in his hometown, which Newsom touted as a model of cutting-edge policies, his candidacy was widely derided among civic insiders.<\/p>\n
Perhaps most telling was the absence of support from the major San Francisco donors who helped underwrite Newsom’s successful campaigns in the city. He also drew relatively few endorsements from the ranks of his fellow elected officials.<\/p>\n
Newsom had repeatedly told those close to him that he did not want to embarrass himself in the governor’s race.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Wow. Statement sent via email:<\/p>\n
It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California. With a young family and responsibilities at city hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to and should be done.<\/p>\n
This is not an easy decision. 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.<\/p>\n
When I embarked on this campaign in April, my goal was to engage thousands and thousands of Californians dedicated to reforming our broken system and bringing change to Sacramento.<\/p>\n
I would like to thank those supporters, volunteers, and donors who have worked so hard on my behalf. I have been humbled by their support and am indebted to their efforts. They represent the spirit of change and determination essential to putting California back on the right track.<\/p>\n
I will continue to fight for change and the causes and issues for which I care deeply – universal health care, a cleaner environment, and a green economy for our families, better education for our children, and, of course, equal rights under the law for all citizens.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
My quick take: Someone else has to jump in the race. There’s no reason to believe anyone else will, or that Dianne Feinstein will. But neither California Democrats, the people of this state, or even Jerry Brown will be served well by an uncontested primary. There are a lot of issues that need to be discussed in this race, and a competitive primary can only produce a stronger candidate (well, as long as it doesn’t turn into a ridiculous mudfest like 2006).<\/p>\n
UPDATE by Robert:<\/b> Matier & Ross and Carla Marinucci cite money woes<\/a> and “lack of momentum” as reasons for quitting.<\/p>\n