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Newsom Given Prominent Role In America's Cup Race

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will publicize the America's Cup and help with fundraising for the yacht race as its ambassador at large, race officials said Wednesday.

Newsom said he would insure that all the promises made to Larry Ellison to hold the 2013 race in San Francisco are kept, including a commitment of millions in private sector contributions.

"We're going to need to go out and raise that money," he said.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

The title of ambassador at large for the 34th America's Cup makes him the public voice for an event that hasn't been held in the United States since 1995.

"He brings such passion to everything he does. So having him in this role is really going to help us continue to elevate the America's Cup," said race spokeswoman Stephanie Martin.

Ellison settled on San Francisco after a whirlwind courtship during Newsom's final days as mayor.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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