San Francisco mayor seeks governorship

SAN FRANCISCO, July 1 (UPI) -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he wants to become California's next governor two years down the road.

Newsom, 40, initiated an exploratory effort to see if his candidacy to succeed Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010 is viable, the Los Angeles Times reported. The two-term Democratic mayor has attracted considerable attention for his efforts promoting policies allowing same-sex marriage, as well as healthcare and other issues, the newspaper noted.

Schwarzenegger is barred by state law from running again, which will likely mean a crowded field of politicians hoping to fill the void.

Newsom said he anticipates deciding by the end of the year whether he will pursue a full-blown campaign.

"We're about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it," Newsom said of his political bent. "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."