The Marryin' kind?

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom doesn't let getting jilted by 53% of Californians get him down. Left at the altar by Prop 8, he's raising the dowry for a run for governor, with no concerted competition for the state's hand yet apparent.

Gavin Newsom raking in cash

(SFGate)

"Should have asked some SF residents what he's really like. Judging from the commenters on SFGate Gavin is not the most popular guy in town."

— WillfromSF

Read More of Joe Garofoli's take

That has always been an odd feature, that the preponderance of SFGate commenter-hate never seems to manifest electorally, increasing Newsom's win from 53% in his first mayoral election to 72% in his reelection.

Who was not surprised how competition ran, hiding, even after various peccadilloes could have made Newsom vulnerable? It's as if he becomes more popular as his antagonists become more mouthy, but it's probably the other way around.

Is he governor material?

Has CaLEEFORNia had a governor who was... lately?

If only 28% of SFer's hate Newsom, we can assume some of them are angry Green Party hippies, still pulling for 2003 mayoral runner-up Matt Gonzalez, or the Rapture-ready zealots upset about same-sex marriage.

That leaves maybe 10% who dislike the man personally, and they're just never been enough to swing the race.


Read More of Joe Garofoli's splashy politcal savvy @SFGate