Prop. F - lawmaker pay measure - leading by large margin

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- If California is running a deficit, lawmakers shouldn't get a raise.

The proposition was leading by a large margin in Tuesday's statewide special election.

Voters approved Proposition 1F, capping pay raises for lawmakers and statewide officials whenever state government runs a deficit.

Lawmakers put the measure on the ballot as part of a state budget package intended to close a $42 billion state deficit. However, its passage will have little effect on the state's finances.

The measure was pushed by Democrats to get state Sen. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria to vote for the budget compromise in February. The Republican's vote was essential to reaching the Legislature's two-thirds vote requirement for the state spending plan and tax increases.