Matt Ortega

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom launched an exploratory bid for the California governorship in 2010. He stated that he expects to make a decision by year’s end.

In an interview today, Newsom said he was mindful of the city’s somewhat eccentric reputation and alluded to the “values” issues — political code for gay rights and other left-leaning positions — that opponents may try to use to his political detriment. “Bring that on,” he said just after signing the papers creating his campaign committee.

“We’re about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it,” Newsom said. “I’m proud of that, I’m not going to hide from that . . . So now let’s talk about healthcare, education, the environment. Let’s have a conversation about your kids and what you want this state to look like five, 10 years from now.”