Democrats set to control majority of state offices

Wednesday, November 4, 1998

Democrats set to control majority of state offices

CANDIDATES: Bustamante new Lt. Governor, Jones remains Secretary
of State

By Emi Kojima

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

California voters chose four Democrats to fill six of the
lesser-known state offices in Tuesday"s general election.

At press time, 47 percent of the state"s voting precincts had
reported their results, and the following statistics represent the
most up-to-date information available.

Lieutenant Governor

Cruz Bustamante, state assembly speaker of 14 months and a
Democratic assemblyman for more than five years, led in the race
against Tim Leslie ­ a state assemblyman ­ to be the
lieutenant governor. At press time, Bustamante had 52 percent of
the votes against Leslie"s 40 percent.

The lieutenant governor ­ the position that Gray Davis held
prior to his election as governor Tuesday ­ presides over the
State Senate, casting tie-breaking votes when necessary. The
lieutenant governor also serves on the boards of the University of
California and California State University and assumes the role of
governor when the governor leaves the state.

Secretary of State

Incumbent Bill Jones, a Republican, retained his position after
facing Michela Alioto, a Democrat businesswoman. He received 48
percent of votes in comparison with the 45 percent for Alioto.

The Secretary of State runs the elections, enforcing the laws
governing them and keeping records.

State Controller

Incumbent Democrat Kathleen Connell had a steady lead over
challenger Ruben Barrales, a Republican county supervisor. She had
60 percent of the popular vote against Barrales"s 34 percent.

The controller does accounting for the state of California as
well as the bookkeeping of public funds as its chief fiscal
officer. The controller also regulates the state payroll, serves on
the Board of Equalization and the Board of Control, and conducts
audits and reviews of state money operations.

State Treasurer

In the race for Matt Fong"s former position, Phil Angelides
­ a Democrat financial manager and businessman ­ led
against Republican Curt Pringle, a state legislator and
businessman. Angelides had 52 percent of the popular support
against Pringle"s 41 percent.

The Treasurer monitors state investments and administers the
sale of state bonds, as well as serving on commissions that deal
with the marketing of bonds. In addition, the treasurer pays out
state funds spent by the controller and other state agencies.

Attorney General

Bill Lockyer, the Democratic Senate president, held the lead
over Republican Dave Stirling, chief deputy attorney general, in
the fight to take Dan Lungren"s former position. With 47 percent of
precincts reporting, Lockyer had 50 percent of the popular vote.
Stirling had 43 percent. The Attorney General acts as the chief law
officer in the state.

Insurance Commissioner

Incumbent Chuck Quackenbush, a Republican, was the projected
winner in the race against Diane Martinez, a Democrat. He received
51 percent of the popular vote against 43 percent for the
challenger.

California"s Department of Insurance monitors insurance
companies within the state. As its head, the commissioner directs
the department, licenses and checks insurance companies, as well as
answers to the public"s complaints against the insurance
industry.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Delaine Eastin, the incumbent for the non-partisan office led in
the race over challenger Gloria Matta Tuchman.

At press time, Eastin had 53 percent of the popular voice to
Tuchman"s 47 percent.

The superintendent of public instruction is a non-voting member
of the governing boards of the state"s public colleges.

California Justices of the Supreme Court

All the California Supreme Court Justices on the ballot will
return to the bench. Chief Justice Ronald M. George and Associate
Justices Janice R. Brown, Ming Chin and Stanley Mosk were confirmed
by an overwhelming majority.

Los Angeles County Sheriff

Challenger Lee Baca had a steady lead over the late incumbent,
Sherman Block ­ who passed away on Oct. 30 ­ in the race
to be the Los Angeles County Sheriff. Baca is a former sheriff"s
chief.

If more voters chose Block, the five-member Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors would select an interim appointee, who would
serve until another election could be held in two years.

The sheriff controls the nation"s largest urban jail system.
Block was the highest-paid elected official in the nation, drawing
over $270,000 a year ­ more than President Bill Clinton. This
election between Baca and Block was to be the first run-off
election for that position in 100 years.

With reports from Bruin wire services and the secretary of
state"s website, at http://vote98.ss.ca.gov.

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