http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=13&entry_id=13121Would this prevent you from voting for Newsom?
The voters have spoken:
Tori Paulman, The Haight
Seriously people! Give me a break -- I think some folks need to get more lovin'! In addition to the separation of church and state in this country, we should focus some attention on the separation of state and bedroom! What Newsom does, how he does it and with whom should at best be a subject for the tabloids, certainly not for the polls.
Lesley Walsh, Richmond District
I can't say I appreciate politicians' pecadillos all over the morning news, but then again, I'm not Newsom's confessor, and I really don't think it's any of my business. I'll decide who to vote for after I've seen the opponent and the campaign.
Susan Jackson, Sunset
Willie Brown set the example for this kind of boorish behavior. Why should we expect anyone to act any differently? Newsom at least has done more for San Francisco than his predecessor; his heart seems to be in the right place, even if other body parts are not.
Brian Backus, Lower Haight
I'm a big fan of our mayor, and this personal matter would in no way affect my vote. I only regret that it may diminish a very talented politician's national prospects.
Paul Barwick, Mission District
Looks like a two'fer to me. In one stroke (no pun intended) he has laid to rest the rumors that he might be gay, and also has shown himself to have what it takes to be a Democratic candidate for president.
Vandana Makker, The Haight
I would still vote for him. Bill Clinton clearly had a shady personal life, but he was a great president. I think Newsom is doing a good job as mayor.
Al Parso, SOMA
The mayor is hot! He's a stud! Who wouldn't want to sleep with him? He definitely has my vote.
Lucy Wang, Russian Hill
No wonder the city is still in a mess! His personal life keeps getting in the way. I didn't vote for him in the last election, so why should change now?
Lynne Painter, North Beach
Of course not! I hope it doesn't keep him from running. The media need to spend less time on his hair and personal life.
Robert Cromey, The Mission
I judge Mayor Newsom by his civic, not sexual, performance.
Chris Coghlan, Sunnyside
It wouldn't make me not vote for him. Most of us have made very poor decisions, especially when we are going through emotionally tough times. The healing power of the flesh is not to be undervalued. He would have to fall farther than that for me to turn on him now. His stance on gay marriage was one of the bravest things I have ever seen from a politician.
Charles Barragan, The Mission
I never voted for Mayor Brylcream, and frankly it's refreshing to see a bit of tarnish on the Golden Boy's veneer. His tryst reflects his total immersion in the political waters, where power and sex will draw you in but the consequences may drown a career.
Albert Goodwyn, Seacliff
The affair is irrelevant. I'll vote against him on another basis: He's in it for the ego and does not pay enough attention to the needs of the city. Even Jordan was better, not to mention Agnos.
Daniel Curzon-Brown, Ingleside
I could care less where the mayor places his affections. Why would anybody run when every syllable, every moan is dragged out for public commentary? Stop it! The media are the culprits, making much ado about nothing.
Julie Bennett, North Beach
I'd prefer that Gav kept it in his pants and stayed out of the limelight. Yet his conduct wouldn't sway my vote. Newsom is the only politician I have voted for that I actually agree with just about every decision he has made. I trust him. When stories like this are made public, it makes me think that I now know the dirt about him, unlike other politicians and the big, ugly ghosts in their closets. Gavin has passion -- it helps him more often than it hurts him. Run Gavin Run!
Rick Chafian, The Sunset
I had been very pleased with Gavin Newsom's actions in the early part of his mayoral term, until recent reports of his being seen in bars with an underage girlfriend, combined with his statement of "I'm not making any public comment" and chief political adviser Eric Jaye's quote that "any political damage will soon dissipate" regarding the affair with a married co-worker. I will seriously have to re-evaluate whether Newsom's ethics deserve re-election.
Edan Hughes, Upper Market
For centuries in Europe when their leaders had mistresses, it was looked upon as a sign of power and potency. Our bachelor mayor needed to get laid. Big deal!
George Lindsay, Outer Haight
Of course I will vote for the mayor's re-election. His peccadillos have nothing to do with how he governs the city. The media must more vital misdeeds to report on than this.
Toby Dixon, Lower Haight
I voted for Matt, but have grown to like Newsom. I don't think we have to worry about voting for Newsom because I doubt he will be running after this affair. However I would vote for him if he ran -- unless Matt decides to run.
Don Langley, Pacific Heights
It's an example of acting without thinking, which is troublesome, but it's a personal matter. My vote is based on public actions. Willie Brown's having an illegitimate baby while in office didn't seem to affect his governance, so why should this stupid dalliance affect Gavin's?
Brad Akin, St. Francis Wood
No, because his private life is none of our business. This gossip is not worth the paper it's printed on. The writers of the article, as well as Jack Davis, Eric Jaye, Tony Hall and Willie Brown should all be ashamed of themselves for their comments.
Howard Crane, Russian Hill
It's one thing -- and not a very intelligent thing -- for a prominent public official to engage in an adulterous relationship. It's quite another thing when he betrays a loyal associate in the process. We now know who and what Mr. Newsom is. Since he undoubtedly will not step down, it is up to us, the voters, to decide what to do with him.
Wade Hampton, Miraloma Park
I will still vote for Newsom. My belief in his character, integrity and dedication to serve the city is still intact and steadfast. I did, however, raise an eyebrow over his lack of judgment in this indiscretion.
Tony An, The Sunset
It won't have any effect on me. Newsom didn't do anything illegal. What he does in private is none of my business. I would even vote for Bill Clinton.
John Champlin, Lower Haight
Having an affair with an employee, married to your friend, who is also an employee, while you're still married? Yeah, that's pretty darn low. However, it's not clear that there's a better candidate running -- so far.
Paul Holtz, The Castro
Not at all. It was extremely poor judgment, and a terrible thing to do to a staff member and supposed friend. But his private life is separate from his public persona, and has no effect on his ability to lead -- though I suspect many supervisors will ramp up their efforts to block his initiatives purely out of spite.
Ed Rose, Duboce Triangle
Considering the precedent set by Willie Brown, I wouldn't vote against Gavin on the basis of this latest revelation. However, when I see the homeless still in the streets, a weak police chief and dismal public transportation -- that could have an effect.
David Jamison, Buena Vista Park
This wouldn't influence my vote. I still strongly support Mayor Newsom, even though I think this was a stupid mistake. He's done a great job as mayor, and I hope to see him win a second term.
Sharon Collins, Pacific Heights
Depending on who his opposition will be, right now I would vote for him. He seems to have a libido and personal judgment problem, but has been a good mayor. Too bad his inability to to control his sex drive will bar him from future higher office holdings. Maybe he should head for sex-drive rehab. Congressman Foley knows the way!
Marilyn Benioff, North Beach
It wouldn't influence my vote one way or another. If Newsom is doing a good job for the city, what difference does it make what happens in his private life -- though it's hard to keep it private, it seems.
William Buehlman, The Excelsior
A candidate's judgement is always a consideration. As with anything, there are degrees. Many of us have made some poor decisions in our personal lives which, hopefully, we learn from and don't repeat. This doesn't mean that translates to an inability to do a good job in our professional lives. I would probably vote for a more progressive candidate, but not because of this incident.
Abra White, Nob Hill
Not at all. I believe more in the deeds the mayor does in office than the hyped misdeeds of his private life. In cases like these, there are hurt feelings and abundant chances to sling mud. When voting, we all have to remember more the good than the bad.
Kim Klausner, Bernal Heights
Poor impulse control does not necessarily make one a bad mayor. And my opinions about a politician's personal life don't influence how I vote. But in this case Newsom made a personal decision that has ramifications for public policy. I'll evaluate his entire record at election time, but I offer a piece of unsolicited advice -- let your brain, rather than other body parts, guide your decisions about relationships.
Henry Mensch, Excelsior
I would still vote for Newsom. People have messy personal lives -- that's why we hire them on the strength of their skills and abilities. Mayor Newsom has done a great job for San Francisco, and I hope that other San Franciscans can see this.
