Newsom's top strategist exits

Eric Jaye, Gavin Newsom's longtime political strategist, tells the San Francisco Chronicle's Matier and Ross that "there was a fundamental difference in how to run" the mayor's campaign for governor.

In addition to Jaye, the Newsom campaign has brought on other high-priced talent, most notably Garry South, the top strategist and adviser to former Gov. Gray Davis.

One source says Jaye has been pushing a campaign strategy that would keep Newsom in the public's eye with media events on everything from green energy to food policy. South, on the other hand, has been advocating a more traditional approach that would depend on Newsom working the phones and raising money.

Newsom issued a brief statement in which he steered clear of any strategic differences he might have had with Jaye, whom he called "an adviser and a friend."

Previously:
Eric Jaye on Newsom and Twitter