Matt Leads KPIX Poll
Hank Plante Confused by Results

First, the good news: KPIX polled 543 San Francisco voters and found that a majority will choose Matt Gonzalez as Mayor over Gavin Newsom on December 9th, 49% to 47%.

Second, but there is a catch. Hank Plante, and the local media in general, still don't get it, or worse, are going out of their way to dampen any enthusiasm around Matt Gonzalez's mayoral campaign. Plante writes:

But perhaps the most interesting statistic in it, was the question for people who voted last week for candidates other than Newsom or Gonzalez. When asked who they would vote for now, Gonzalez beats Newsom by about two to one: 59% for Gonzalez, to 29% for Newsom.

"Polls don't vote, people vote," Newsom said.

Newsom says his own internal polls show him well ahead of Gonzalez. And after all, in last week's election, Newsom did substantially outdo Gonzalez.

"You don't get a poll like this and pack up your outfit and go home," Gonzalez said. "But for us, it's a good indication that we have a real viability here. And that's what we feel good about."

Why should Plante be surprised that voters who didn't like Gavin Newsom last week, still don't like him? And what is with the "And after all ... Newsom did substantially outdo Gonzalez" comment? Uh, yeah, you're right, Sherlock, but that's only because there were four candidates splitting the liberal vote against one viable conservative candidate.

On a completely frivolous note, it looks as if Matt got a haircut and is using hair gel. It's about time. I mean, you're cool and all, Matt, but appearances do count for something. Speaking of appearances counting, you might want to talk to some of your volunteers about theirs.