From East Bay Express:

State Attorney General Jerry Brown has received a big boost in the polls thanks to the decision by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to drop out of next year’s governor’s race, according to the Chron. With the race for the Democratic nomination now between Brown and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the former Oakland mayor has opened up a commanding 20 point lead. It appears that most of Villaraigosa’s supporters have moved over to Brown.

According to recent polls, Brown led Newsom 33 to 20 percent before Villaraigosa pulled out. But now Brown leads 46 percent to 26 percent. The primary is still nearly a year away, but Brown’s lead, and his widespread name recognition, will be tough to overcome. However, there is still some hope for San Francisco’s mayor.

Read the Rest…