Newson’s run could turn gay tide in California
- By Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide to Gay Life, March 12, 2010
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson today announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of California, steadying uncertainty over his push to lead the struggling state.
His capricious journey has been dizzying for gay rights supporters who’ve held their breath almost as tight as Gov. Schwarzenegger has held his opinion on equal rights in the Golden State. Four months ago, Newson dropped out of the race for governor citing financial woes and the popularity of opponent Attorney General Jerry Brown. But then Newson filed early paperwork required to run for lieutenant governor in mid-February. A week later, he told Rachel Maddow that his filing was not confirmation he would run in the 2010 race.
Hard to keep up with Newson’s political ambitions? You’re not the only one, but today’s announcement is the final answer we’ve been waiting for. Newson’s political totter has finally settled with an announcement of his bid for lieutenant governor.
What could a Newson victory mean for California LGBTers?
Back in 2004, after hearing President Bush oppose same-sex marriage in his State of The Union address, Newson ordered the San Francisco city clerk to begin performing same-sex marriages at City Hall. The weddings were stopped by judicial order, but the defiant measure placed the issue of same-sex marriage on the national stage.
“This is about bringing people together,” Newson said after giving the order in 2004. The weekend after over 2,000 gay and lesbian couples lined to marry in San Francisco. And although those marriages were nullified by the court, the executive order was testament to how far Newson is willing to maneuver to ensure equal protections.
A number two position on the state level won’t wield such power, but the influence (not to mention a possible run for No. 1 later) could be unprecedented, especially as prop 8 arguments rise within the California judiciary.
