California governor cancels trip to UN climate conference

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has suddenly canceled his trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday abruptly canceled his trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, forgoing a much-anticipated chance to appear on an international stage devoted to one of his signature issues.

Newsom, who has four children ages 5 to 12, won't go due to “family obligations,” spokesperson Erin Mellon said without elaborating on the reason.

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a fellow Democrat, will lead California's delegation in Newsom's place.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Kounalakis said she spoke to Newsom on Thursday and had a sense she might be asked to go to Scotland.