S.F. Mayor Proud of His City’s Values

Politicians usually try to explain away their records once they bid for higher office. Take the case of just about any big-time Democrat and the issue of gay marriage. But San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who formally launched an exploratory bid for the California governorship, says he’s not worried about his gay rights legacy: “We’re about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it. … I’m proud of that, I’m not going to hide from that. … So now let’s talk about health care, education, the environment. Let’s have a conversation about your kids and what you want this state to look like five, 10 years from now.”

Los Angeles Times:

In an interview today, Newsom said he was mindful of the city’s somewhat eccentric reputation and alluded to the “values” issues — political code for gay rights and other left-leaning positions — that opponents may try to use to his political detriment. “Bring that on,” he said just after signing the papers creating his campaign committee.

“We’re about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it,” Newsom said. “I’m proud of that, I’m not going to hide from that . . . So now let’s talk about healthcare, education, the environment. Let’s have a conversation about your kids and what you want this state to look like five, 10 years from now.”

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