Election Results

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

A Tough Evening for the Business Community in California and San Diego
By Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations

The polls closed in California at 8 PM last night, but beginning about 9:00 PM, it became increasingly clear that it would be a tough night for the business community in San Diego and throughout California.  Although there are 475,000 county-wide provisional votes yet to count, it appears that AGC’s endorsed candidates are in tough spots:

• Carl DeMaio had an initial slim lead at the outset of the evening (that was not a good sign, as he should have had a more comfortable lead from the absentee ballots).  Over the course of the evening and early morning, the vote trended towards Bob Filner.  As of this morning, Filner had a 10,000 vote margin, and he will win the Mayor’s race.

• San Diego City Council candidate Ray Ellis never got off the starting block, as he was behind incumbent Sherrie Lightner at the outset.  She increased her lead over the evening, and she will win re-election.

• 1,896 votes separate Dave Roberts from Steve Danon, with Roberts in the lead.  This is too close to call.

• 685 votes separate Scott Peters from Congressman Brian Bilbray, with Peters in the lead.  This is too close to call.

So, it looks like we now have a Democratically-controlled, and labor friendly, Mayor’s Office, and City Council, and if votes don’t come in for Danon and Bilbray, we will have our first Democrat County Supervisor in years, and have a majority of Democrat Congressional representatives in San Diego County, respectively.

Legislative Races and Proposition 30

It was a tough evening for Republicans in state legislative races, as a few seats in both the Assembly and Senate switched parties.  Democrats now hold at least 2/3 of the majority in both houses, which is the threshold needed to pass tax increases.

Speaking of tax increases, Proposition 30, the Governor’s proposal to help education and balance the state budget, passed (Proposition 38 did not).  We will soon be seeing a ¼ cent sales tax and an increase in income taxes for those earning $250,000 or more annually.

What’s interesting to note about the tax increase and change in leadership is that now there will be no need to go to the voters to pass a tax.  The Democratically-controlled Legislature can do it all be themselves!

Proposition 32

State voters said no to changes in the way political contributions are given to candidates and elected officials, and labor’s influence and money were the main reasons for defeat of Proposition 32.

As much as people want campaign finance reform here and throughout the country, voters just aren’t buying the various proposals.  Back to the drawing board!

Local School Bonds

Over 60% of San Diego Unified School District voters approved Proposition Z, a $2.8 billion school bond measure, even though the School Board plans to spend over $100 million per year on non-capital expenses to relieve pressure on its General Fund.

Other school districts with successful bond measures included:  Cajon Valley Union High School, Chula Vista Elementary, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College, and South Bay Union.

There are two school bond measures too close to call, as each is just below the needed 55% vote needed to pass:  San Dieguito Union High School District, and Miracosta Community College.

Four school bond measures failed on Election Day: Dehesa Elementary, Mountain Empire Unified, Ramona Unified School District, and Del Mar Union School District.

Although a majority of the 11 local bond measures passed, it is becoming clear that voters are weary of how school officials are spending our tax dollars. 

Contact Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations, for more information at (858) 558-7444 ext. 103.