California Election Results

The 2010 election season is over. The national Republican victory wave seems to have stopped at the California border with many of the state’s key races going to Democrats.  Winning 53.6% of the vote, former Governor Jerry Brown will return to Sacramento for an historic third term. Brown defeated Republican Meg Whitman who invested $140 million dollars on her campaign won just 41.3%.

The Sacramento Bee is already reported Brown’s first flip-flop.  According to the Bee, “Brown said at a morning news conference he would not move to Sacramento but would stay in his Oakland hills home.”  Later Brown changed his mind and said he would look for a place to sleep in Sacramento. “...I'm going to be working virtually nonstop on the budget, I'm going to have to find some place to sleep in Sacramento," Brown said.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom easily defeated Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado 50% to 39/5%.  Carly Fiorina, former HP CEO conceded defeat earlier today after a very contentious battle with Senator Barbara Boxer.

Voters sent mixed messages by defeating some proposition and approving others. Proposition 19, the measure to legalize marijuana failed 54% to 46%. Though many voters acknowledge it will pass eventually, a majority felt the poorly crafted opposed by many in law enforcement just didn't work.

Proposition 20 passed overwhelmingly (61% to 39%). The measure removes elected officials from the redistricting process and transfers the authority to a 14-member bi-partisan redistricting committee. Proposition 27 that would have eliminated the redistricting committee failed by similar margin (59% no versus 42% yes).

Despite pleas by park supporters, voters rejected Proposition 21 that would have established an $18 vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs.
 
Further complicated the budget process, voters passed Proposition 22, which prohibits the state from borrowing or taking local funds used for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects and services.

Proposition 23 failed that would have suspended implementation of air pollution control law AB 32, a signature legislative achievement of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Proposition 24, the measure would have allowed businesses to lower their taxes also failed.

Voters also eliminated the two-thirds majority ruled to pass a state budget by passing Proposition 25 but passed Proposition 26 requiring the certain state and local fees be approved by a two-thirds vote.  

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