Jan 15, 2008

Mayor Newsom endorses Speier for congressional run

Bay City News

Former state Sen. Jackie Speier received the endorsement of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on Monday in her quest for a U.S. congressional seat in November.

Speier, 57, announced Sunday she would seek to fill the District 12 seat that is being relinquished by U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos, D-San Francisco/San Mateo. The district represents a small portion of southwest San Francisco and much of northern San Mateo County.

"I don't think anyone is more qualified, I don't think anyone is more experienced," said Newsom at a news conference with Speier outside West Portal Elementary School, after a brief tour of the school and a meeting with students.

Newsom stressed the need for advocacy on a federal level for local improvements to education and health care, as well as energy independence and environmental concerns.

Speier said her intention was to make San Francisco schools "the best in the nation," and that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's current budget proposal would leave less for students.

"If he gets it, there will be $700 fewer dollars for each child in this school," Speier said, adding that she wanted to make sure "that the quality of education improves, that the services improve."