Bill Clinton Picks a Horse in Cali Governor Race

The former president has thrown his considerable political and fundraising heft behind San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in the race to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger. Newsom is up against California institution and former Gov. Jerry Brown.

The boyish mayor backed Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary.

Jerry Brown and Bill Clinton faced each other in the Democratic presidential primary 16 years earlier.  —PS

Los Angeles Times:

Clinton plans to make two appearances with Newsom on Oct. 5—a public event in East Los Angeles and a fundraiser in Los Angeles, [Newsom’s strategist Garry] South said. Clinton spokesman Matt McKenna confirmed the trip but declined to comment further.

As the schedule indicates, Clinton could be useful to Newsom if he attracts both Latinos and money to the mayor as the June primary nears; Brown presently holds the edge in both areas.

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AP / Jeff Chiu

Bill Clinton and Gavin Newsom at a 2006 rally in San Francisco.