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Elections: Democrats Lose Everything They Could Lose; Break Even On Primaries
A former Republican congressman narrowly beat his Democratic rival early Wednesday for the House seat once held by jailed Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a race closely watched as a possible early barometer of next fall's vote. Republican Brian Bilbray emerged victorious after a costly and contentious special election race against Democrat Francine Busby, a local school board member. With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Bilbray had 56,130 votes, or 50 percent. Busby trailed with 51,292 votes, or 45 percent. "I think that we're going back to Washington," Bilbray told cheering supporters. The race one of dozens of contests Tuesday in eight states was viewed by Democrats as an opportunity to capture a solidly Republican district and build momentum on their hopes to capture control of the House.Also in California, State Treasurer Phil Angelides narrowly beat Controller Steve Westly in the state's gubernatorial primary. He next faces GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who faced no credible opposition in his party's nomination. With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Angelides had 931,220 votes, or 48 percent, to Westly's 855,320 votes, or 44 percent. "You've given me a chance to fight for you, for the California of our dreams, and I will not let you down," Angelides said while his supporters chanted, "Go, Phil, go!" The race proved long on negative ads and short on excitement and attention, giving the Republican governor a timely lift as he publicly launches his re-election drive Wednesday. Posted by: Anonymoose 2006-06-07 |
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