Clinton Boosts Newsom in Calif. Gov Race

Bill Clinton's support for Gavin Newsom in the race to succeed Arnold Schwarzenegger as California governor has put the spotlight on the San Francisco mayor's campaign, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Clinton's support has given Newsom a much-needed boost.  But some analysts believe it has more to do with Clinton's enmity towards Newsom's rival Jerry Brown than any real fondness for the mayor.

During the 1992 race for the Democratic nomination, Brown accused Clinton of illegally steering contracts to Hillary's firm. "To say there is bad blood between Clinton and Brown is an understatement," said one analyst. Brown, who governed the state from 1975 to 1983, is in first place in the polls with 26% to Newsom's 16%, although Sen. Dianne Feinstein is expected to become the front-runner if she decides to enter the race. (More California stories.)