California bucks national trend

The once and future governor, Attorney General Jerry Brow, won election on Tuesday in a runaway victory over billionaire Meg Whitman as Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer won what turned ot to be an easy re-election. Daily News electioncoverage.
The California voer willingness to embrace experienced politicians seemed to defy the national anti-incumbent sentiment throughout the state as returns showed no major upsets in races for Congress or the state legislature. The only newcomers elected, for the most part, were for seats opened due to term limits.
Boqwn, the last Democrat to serve a full two terms as governor, wrote to supporters following his victory that California will continue to face tough times, but that he is hopeful for the future.
"I just got off the stage at the Fox Theater in Oakland. I chose this theater because it is a symbol of renewal -- of what is possible in our state," Brown wrote.
"I want everyone in California to know we might, and we will, have tough times, but if we all pull together and if we operate with honesty, transparency, tell it like it is, and level with you, we can meet the challenges ahead.
"What we need is a larger sense of agreement and the only way we can get beyond where we are -- which is polarization, division and hostility -- is to get past these partisan divisions. So I take as my challenge the responsibility of forging a common purpose. Not just a common purpose based on compromise, but a common purpose based on a vision of what California can be.
"And I see a California once again leading on renewable energy, leading on education. We are all God's children and while I understand politics, I will always carry with me my sense of that missionary zeal to transform the world -- that's always been my calling. That's what it's all about -- the vision. :