S.F. mayoral race - Dems unraveling?

Tomorrow, San Francisco will elect either Gavin Newsome (Democrat) or Matt Gonzalez (Green Party) for mayor. This race will be interesting nationally for a few reasons. Gavin Newsome was supposed to be a shoe-in for this race and has been endorsed by some very powerful, and highly visible, Democrats. Bill Clinton hasn't made it here yet (although he reportedly will), but Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi and Diane Feinstein have all been pushing Newsome.

Yet the contest is extremely close. I haven't been able to find any polling data anywhere, but most media outlets in San Francisco all assume a nail biter. There are Matt Gonzalez posters and fliers visible everywhere in the city. All the lefties have united behind Gonzalez and it seems he is getting support from some San Francisco moderates as well.

During the past two years, the top brass of the Democratic Party has been surprisingly ineffective at influencing close races against Republicans nationally. As such it will be interesting indeed to see if their stumping for Gavin Newsome will sway the San Francisco mayoral race away from the (more extreme) left. If Gonzalez is elected, we may well be witnessing the unraveling of a party that doesn't seem to be relevant to anyone anymore.

Amazing turn of events. After passing "Care Not Cash" it looked like Newsom would be elected for sure. Newsom has been campaigning for 2 years, while Gonzalez got in about 3 months before the election.

The interesting district is the Marina district. This district was usually more "conservative" for San Francisco. It should be a Newsom district. However, Gonzalez may be connecting with the "bohemian" crowd in the Marina. Polling data will show for sure.

Also, Gonzalez has painted Newsom as the "status quo." Who knew that would touch a nerve with SF Voters. I thought the best thing about the SF Mayoral election was getting rid of Willie Brown. Now, I am not so sure.