It's time to bring back Gavin Newsom

By Editorial

Gavin Newsom may one day be the most famous Santa Clara graduate.

As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom, '89, has constantly been in the spotlight, whether he's trying out universal health care, dealing with a sex scandal or legalizing gay marriage.

Newsom is just starting his political career, and -- despite some of the political hurdles he's laid for himself -- he may soon outgrow his San Francisco digs and move onto the national political scene.

It's great to have such a high profile alumnus, right?

Not necessarily.

In an interview with The Santa Clara, Newsom said he has never been asked to speak at Santa Clara, but he'd jump at the chance if invited.

There are reasons why Newsom wouldn't be an ideal speaker at this Jesuit university. Newsom knows his views aren't in line with those of the Church.

"I always assumed it was 'cause, you know, stem cell and gay marriage, pro-choice," Newsom said about why he's never been asked to speak here.

Newsom may not make the Church's list of top 100 Catholics, but he should not be shunned from Santa Clara. The university should take pride in having a well-known graduate who maintains his Catholic faith, yet is courageous enough to make moral decisions that the Church disagrees with.

Santa Clara should invite Newsom back to speak and welcome him with open arms. He has his flaws, and the university may not align with his political views, but we should be proud that an alumnus is the mayor of a major U.S. city.

Graduation is approaching, and the university has yet to announce who will be the commencement speaker. While someone may be lined up already, we bet a call to Newsom's office would be met with a resounding, "Yes!"