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Originally posted by Beestie
I'm not sure exactly what Newsom is/was up to. Barney Frank called him and begged him not to start granting licenses to gays indicating that "it wasn't time."
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Frank was probably worried about what would happen in Massachusetts. It sounds like they're headed towards a Vermont-style setup at this point.
As far as Newsom's own motivations...well, figure he has roughly 80,000 gay residents for starters. He is also in charge of one of the most liberal cities in the world. And based on what I've seen and read, he seems sincere in his beliefs.
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Newsom took a garden variety political gamble in a town where he is surrounded by those who support his decision.
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I wouldn't call it garden variety by any means. He made a decision that could have easily ended his political future (and still could), he could be penalized by the State of California and he's received death threats. And I suspect he's gotten his fair share of "fan mail" and phone calls over it.
In the end, I'd say it's a combination of "pleasing the constituents" and genuine belief, leaning more towards the latter. After all, I'm sure he knew his decision wouldn't win him THAT many friends and would cause an instant shitstorm.