MyDD :: Gavin Newsom Torpedoes CA-Gov Bid at Netroots Nation

Gavin Newsom Torpedoes CA-Gov Bid at Netroots Nation

by Bob Brigham, Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 07:43:10 PM EST

As many of you saw, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gave a green speech introduction for Van Jones on Sunday at Netroots Nation. But immediately after his green speech, a local blogger asked a very important question:

I just asked Newsom if he would support the Clean Energy Act. At first, he said yes -- absolutely. Then he said, "oh are you talking about the one about PG&E?" I said yes. He said, "oh no it's horrible." I asked him to elaborate, but he would not. I then asked, "is that because your consultant [Eric Jaye] is working for PG&E?" Newsom denied it, but really. It was kinda pathetic.

Indeed. As we all know, Al Gore thinks the entire country needs to go 100% clean electrically by 2019 and Mayor Newsom won't try for his city to do the same by 2040?

San Francisco blogger Paul Hogarth immediately wrote it up and fellow San Franciscan Luke Thomas declared:

Gubernatorial hopeful Gavin Newsom today stated his opposition to the San Francisco Clean Energy Act defying all expectations that he will run for Governor consisting of a renewable energy platform.

Siding with PG&E against the Sierra Club and opposing the San Francisco Clean Energy Act on this year's ballot is a clear indication Mayor Newsom has no plans on winning the Democrat nomination for Governor in 2010. Sure he might try, but siding with PG&E against Clean Energy is an ad that writes itself.

This is Newsom's Iraq Vote

The Clean Energy Act is a no-brainer to supporter unless you are a political consultant working for PG&E and already lying to the voters.

The first campaign I worked for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom was waaaaay back in 2000. And if you ask me, a good deal of his perception problems are that he is over scripted, over protected, over done. I think the most likely way for Mayor Newsom to win the 2010 Gubernatorial campaign is if they let Newsom be Newsom. His handlers don't have to be defensive, but when they are it shows.

I find it sad and discouraging that a politician with so much potential has decided to sell out in such a manner. I mean, siding with PG&E against the Sierra Club to oppose Clean Energy is about the worst thing you can do.

But what is insulting (though not as bad as when the Mayor slept with my friend's wife), is that Gavin Newsom went to Netroots Nation to try and appear environmental and seems to think so little of bloggers that he thought he could give a greenwash speech and still oppose Clean Energy to help PG&E without anyone noticing. Not cool. Accountability matters.

Tags: San Franicsco, Gavin Newsom, Clean Energy Act, Al Gore, Netroots Nation, Greenwashing, PG&E, Global Warming. (all tags)

Permalink :: 14 Comments :: Post a Comment

I'm reserving judgment. (none / 0)

I would really like to hear what Newsom's objections are to the Clean Energy Act. It would be interesting to hear if he had legitimate concerns about it, or whether it truly is just plain old fashioned shilling.

And so, may evil beware and may good dress warmly and eat lots of fresh vegetables.

by thatpurplestuff on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 07:51:08 PM EST

Re: I'm reserving judgment. (none / 0)

As I heard it, he wouldn't say why.

- John McCain

by Bob Brigham on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 08:02:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm reserving judgment. (none / 0)

I live here and have not been impressed at all with Gavin. Only good thing is he almost counters Chris Daly, a real jack-ass

by zerosumgame on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 08:31:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ugh (none / 0)

Typical Newsom.

Who the hell are we going to nominate in CA? Pretty thin bench if you ask me.

by NewOaklandDem on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 07:52:33 PM EST

Re: Ugh (none / 0)

Not a clue, but we gotta win. The state's in awful shape.

- John McCain

by Bob Brigham on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 08:04:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ugh (none / 0)

Would love another term of Jerry Brown. If not him the star of the future in California is definitely SFDA Kamala Harris.

by Piuma on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 09:19:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I think it'll be Newsom (none / 0)

on PG&E he's got a real blindspot. But he's appeared to have grown up a little.

The other choices are: Tony Villaragosa (who was in a love triangle with Fabian Nunez and the Telemundo news anchor) and Steve Westly, John Geremendi, Jerry Brown.

by catfish2 on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 10:24:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I think it'll be Newsom (none / 0)

PG&E is more than a blindspot. Siding with PG&E when it comes to global warming is a career killer.

- John McCain

by Bob Brigham on Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 12:18:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

People outside the city think Newsom is rad (none / 0)

And a friend who runs an environmental non-profit buys the PG&E greenwashing (and relies on PG&Es grants.) I hope you are right, most are more savvy.

by catfish2 on Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 12:21:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Newsom is a non-starter (none / 0)

Despite the CA. Democratic Party's early effors to push his candidacy, he will NOT be governor. Once people get past marriage equity, they will see his record and find it does not quite measure up to his own hype.

by RandyMI on Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 09:36:32 PM EST

if 2010 is a bad Democratic year (none / 0)

as usually in the second year of an administration, the administration's party usually loses seats, with 2002 being the exception nearly 68 years, Newsom better not be the nominee, as it could rile up conservatives on gay marriage. We need a Dem governor there.

by Lakrosse on Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 12:42:37 AM EST

Re: Gavin Newsom Torpedoes CA-Gov Bid at Netroots (none / 0)

Garamendi would be a decent pick, but I don't think he will run.

I personally like the current Secretary of State, Barbara Bowen for it.

accepting McLettuce is like being 9 years old and forced to eat your own cooking

by Sychotic1 on Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 09:39:37 AM EST

Debora Bowen n/t (none / 0)

by catfish2 on Tue Jul 22, 2008 at 11:51:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debora Bowen n/t (none / 0)

You be right...but I still like her ;)

accepting McLettuce is like being 9 years old and forced to eat your own cooking

by Sychotic1 on Thu Jul 24, 2008 at 10:31:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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