A Movement Without a Candidate

by Paul Hogarth, Beyond Chron (reposted)

Fri, Mar 30, 2007 6:19AM

With his re-election just months away, Mayor Gavin Newsom has no credible opponent in sight – and his approval ratings remain high. But many are dissatisfied with a Mayor who governs by press release – with the city’s climbing homicide rate, scarce affordable housing, and inadequate Muni service. And if last night’s “Gavin Watch” party at El Rio was any sign, there’s a lot of energy for frustrated activists to meet and talk about the issues. On short notice, a large crowd gathered to celebrate a movement without a candidate – launched and encouraged by a website whose identity remains secret.

The League of Young Voters – a dynamic new organization in town that engages young people in politics – co-hosted the party with the “Gavin Watch” website last night at the Mission District bar. Guests took their pictures with a cut-out of Gavin, learned about what parts of the world the Mayor has traveled (while he’s not paying attention to City issues), and frolicked with the chickens who dogged his various Town Hall “meetings” as he avoids Question Time.

“We’re here to engage young people in thinking more critically about Gavin Newsom’s term in office,” said Natasha Marsh of the League of Young Voters. “We want people to look beyond the Mayor’s personal escapades and talk about issues that affect people in a substantive way. And we’re having fun while doing it.” But still, she wouldn’t tell me who’s behind the Gavin Watch website.

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§Who will volunteer for more than 6 months on a campaign?

by Timing is everything

Fri, Mar 30, 2007 8:59PM

November is 7 months away.

The established media is highly (by comparison) critical of Newsom. Would that be happening if there were a candidate in the race?

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