Gavin Newsom Running for California Lieutenant Governor

San Francisco -- Most of the 2010 California election headlines are focused on the battle between Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner for the prize of being the next California governor. But San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is in the mix, too, with his campaign for the position of lieutenant governor, a possible stepping-stone position for a later run at the governor spot.

The California statewide direct primary election is on June 8, according to the California Secretary of State's website. The primary election is designed to narrow down each party's nominees to a single party representative to face off against other opponents in the California general election on November 2.

The election race for California lieutenant governor is not normally a high-profile or contested race because the position is of low prestige and does not have much authority or power. However, the position of California lieutenant governor is often used as a stepping stone for politicians who want to want to run for governor at a later date. Voters get a chance to see a candidate performs at this level and can gauge the office holder's abilities at the statewide level.

Gavin Newsom for Lieutenant Governor

Gavin Newsom has been mayor of San Francisco for nearly eight years now and has often stated his interest in running for higher office. He actually declared his candidacy for California governor in 2009 but dropped out, most likely because Jerry Brown was also in the race and former Gov. Brown appears to be the strongest candidate.

But in 2010, Newsom decided to throw his hat in the ring for the 2010 race for California Lieutenant Governor. This contest is much less exciting and much less glamorous, but if Jerry Brown wins and Newsom heads off to Sacramento with him, you can bet that Jerry Brown will try to give Gavin Newsom a lot more responsibility as lieutenant governor than the position has had in the past.

Current Status of Race for California Lieutenant Governor

The 2010 election for California lieutenant governor is heading into the primary election phase. On June 8, party voters will have to choose one from their party, either Republican or Democrat, who will represent the party in the main general election in November.

On the Democratic side, high-profile candidate Newsom is battling Southern California candidate Janice Hahn. According to a recent poll, Newsom has a 21-point lead over Hahn, as reported by mercurynews.com.

On the Republican side, the major candidates are current appointed California lieutenant governor Abel Maldonado and California state Senator Sam Aanestad. These two GOP candidates do not have the name recognition or fundraising ability of candidates like Newsom and Hahn.

Stepping Stone for Governor Race Later

Although Newsom may not have initially wanted to run as a candidate for California lieutenant governor, it may be the best course for him in terms of his political future. Many voters remember him for his attempts at legalizing gay marriage while as San Francisco mayor.

If he can get elected lieutenant governor and serve a full term or more, voters may get a chance to see Gavin Newsom and tell if he can serve responsibly and fairly in a statewide office. Then Newsom might have a chance at running for the governor position.

References

"Newsom pulls ahead in race for lieutenant governor," Steven Harmon, mercurynews.com, May 10, 2010.

California June 8, 2010 Primary Election, California Secretary of State website

Gavin Newsome for Lt. Governor, official website

Janice Hahn for Lt. Governor, official website
Abel Maldonado for Lt. Governor, official website