NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the person who gave a statement from Kevin Johnson at the No on 8 rally today.

Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo said challenger Kevin Johnson had flip-flopped on gay marriage, criticizing him Tuesday for having his name on two mailers that also urged a vote in favor of Proposition 8.

The mailers, which arrived in Sacramento mailboxes this week, carried a slate of positions on propositions and other ballot decisions mostly paid for by various campaigns, including Johnson's.

Fargo, speaking after a No on 8 event in Sacramento at Trinity Cathedral, said the mailers call into question Johnson's judgment after he, like Fargo, openly announced his opposition to Proposition 8.

"When a candidate is asked to be on these fliers, you can certainly do research about what else is on them," she said.

Both slate mailers contain the disclaimer that appearing on the mailer does not constitute endorsement of any other position on the mailer.

Johnson campaign manager Steve Maviglio, who also attended the No on 8 event, said candidates often disagree with positions on slate mailers they're a part of.

He noted that Johnson also doesn't agree with a Yes on Proposition 10 position found on both mailers. Johnson's campaign paid about $3,000 each to be on the mailers, Maviglio said.

Earlier in the campaign, Johnson supported the concept contained in Proposition 8, saying at a debate that marriage is between a man and a woman. He announced last month his opposition to the measure on the basis that while he still held that view personally, he wouldn't impose it on others.

Maviglio said Johnson has repeatedly stated his opposition to the measure, and his information booths at farmer's markets and other events includes information on the No on 8 campaign.

At the No on 8 event that included several religious leaders, Stuart Eldridge, a Johnson supporter, read a statement from Johnson that said, "Passing Proposition 8 would be a stain on our state constitution and a stain on our consciences."

Maviglio said Johnson had a scheduling conflict and couldn't make the event.

Of Fargo's attacks, he said after the No on 8 event, "Unfortunately, Mayor Fargo is trying to confuse voters with a campaign over divisive issues.

"She's finding an issue to talk about so that she doesn't have to talk about her police cuts and budget cuts," he said.

He said Fargo appeared on five slate mailers during her 2004 campaign run, and later sent notice to reporters that Fargo paid to appear on a 2000 slate mailer that also encouraged a vote for then-presidential candidate George W. Bush and two ballot measures Fargo did not support.

ELSEWHERE on PolitickerCA.com:

• Johnson, Fargo more civil at second mayoral debate
• Johnson joins in criticism of police cut proposals
• Fargo shoots back at police chief, Kevin Johnson