Mayor Newsom wants to move on up to the governor's place

by Carla Marinucci, John Wildermuth, Chronicle Political Writers
San Francisco Chronicle

Democratic San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom jumped into the race for governor Tuesday, taking the first steps toward succeeding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010.

Newsom opened a gubernatorial campaign committee so that he can start gathering campaign contributions for a race that is more than two years away. Supporters can give him up to $24,100 each for the 2010 Democratic primary and general election. The next race for governor is expected to be a highly competitive contest that could cost each major party candidate upward of $30 million.

The action by the mayor of the liberal Democratic bastion of San Francisco - who has made national news with his support of same-sex marriage, universal health care and strong environmental programs locally - puts him a step ahead of a potentially crowded field of opponents.

full article

San Francisco: Mayor Newsom marries Phyllis Lyon and Dell Martin at city hall

In San Francisco, at 5:01 PM Mayor Newsom officiated a private marriage for Phyllis Lyon and Dell Martin at city hall.

Afterwards Phyllis, Dell and the Mayor entered the public reception area as rose petals were tossed from the second floor of the rotunda.

Phyllis and Dell cut a wedding cake at the public reception and remarked how they couldn’t have imagined this back in 1953, on Valentines Day, when they became lovers. Phyllis said they were so happy and hoped this would be the last time they have to cut a wedding cake.

“I can think of no greater example of commitment after 55 years together [Dell and Phyllis]. Today marriage as an institution has been strengthened. Today marriage has been affirmed. Today in California we are providing marriage equally, denying no one their right to live their lives out loud,” remarked Mayor Newsom.

A group of protestors assembled in front of San Francisco city hall. Carrying banners and signs. One rather large yellow banner read “Re-criminalize sodomy” and was held high by petitioners.

Letter of the day: Gay marriage ruling shows the power of one

The Star Tribune
Minneapolis-St. Paul
Minnesota

Sometimes one person can make all the difference. One person with lots of courage and love.

When San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom threw open the doors to City Hall and welcomed gay couples to come and be married, he changed the world for our family. As we watched wedding after wedding, couple after couple, exchanging vows and then sharing hugs and tears with everyone around them, it filled us with hope that one day it will be Jacob's turn to celebrate marriage with the love of his life.

I didn't even dare to hope before those beautiful days in San Francisco that our family would be able to celebrate a legal marriage for Jacob.

RANDI REITAN, EDEN PRAIRIE

full article

VIDEO: San Francisco Mayor speaks

DiversityInc

Here is what San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom had to say.





Here is what Attorney Gloria Allred had to say about the California same-sex marriage decision.




As a side note California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has vetoed two LGBT-progressive bills in the past, said in a statement that he respected the Supreme Court's decision and "will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling."

source article