When we asked Mirkarimi if he liked it better when Newsom was out of town politicking or in town politicking, he laughed: "Good question."
"It'd be greedy of me to say I only like it when he's here and we agree," said the supe. "It's important for the citizenry to have the undivided attention of the board of supervisors and the mayor. It's important for all hands to be on deck."
That being said, Mirkarimi wasn't certain the ostensible return of Newsom would change much around City Hall. "In the mayor's eyes, he's never stopped, and he's mayor 24 hours a day. But I think the apex of his governing was felt before his re-election."
With Newsom again skulking about the halls of City Hall, the question is raised: Will more candidates jump into the gubernatorial race? Former State Senator and city Supervisor Carole Migden thinks so. She thinks Rep. Jane Harman -- who is well-known in her native Southern California and independently wealthy -- or someone else from Southern California might make the jump. It also warrants mentioning that State Treasurer Bill Lockyer has more money than God right now.
Still, Jude Barry, a San Jose-based consultant who ran Steve Westly's gubernatorial campaign, didn't foresee anyone getting in Jerry Brown's way on the race to the Democratic nomination. "It's too late and the hill is too high."
Finally, Eric Jaye -- the mayor's former longtime Svengali who testily parted ways with Newsom in July -- said he didn't see this in political terms, but parental:"Every parent in San Francisco understands this decision. They understand what happens when a child is born. In a good way, they cause you to focus on your priorities."
SF Weekly managing editor Will Harper and staff writer Ashley Harrell contributed to this report.
