Democratic Gov. Gray Davis inched past Republican Bill Simon Jr. on Tuesday to win a grudging second term amid a wave of discontent that kept voters home and gave minor parties their best showing in years.
His surprisingly narrow victory capped a gnawing night that saw the lead trade hands several times as the candidates hunkered out of sight with their families and strategists, nervously watching television and poring over election returns.
Davis, part of a potential Democratic sweep of statewide offices, finally emerged close to midnight. At just about the same time, Simon was conceding at his headquarters hotel across town.
Photo caption -- A caption accompanying a photo of secession opponents in some editions of Wednesday's Section A misspelled the name of the executive director of the Latin American Civic Assn. Her name is Irene Tovar, not Irenen.
To cheers of "four more years," Davis thanked his supporters and extended a hand to Simon, asking for a round of applause from his own partisans. "I want to thank all of California," the 59-year-old governor said. "I thank them for the opportunity to finish the job.
"I promise you to work as hard as I can," Davis said, looking more relieved than exultant. He added that it had been a long election day.
Simon, accompanied by his wife, conceded before a crowd of dispirited supporters. "It doesn't look like the numbers are going to be quite there for us this time," he said.
"I want to continue to devote myself and I know that Cindy feels the same way," said the 51-year-old Los Angeles businessman, who stumbled through his first run for public office. "To helping this great Golden State search out avenues that maybe we might be of service in the coming years."
Three Democratic incumbents--Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer and Treasurer Phil Angelides--appeared to retain their seats as a Republican wave that swept the country stopped short of the California border.
Each tallied more votes than the governor, a slap at Davis and a reversal of the usual trend that sees a falloff as voters work their way down the ballot.
Democrats Kevin Shelley and John Garamendi were leading in contests for secretary of state and insurance commissioner. The lone Republican preventing a Democratic sweep was Tom McClintock, who was running neck and neck with Steve Westly in the race for state controller.
Despite the recession, California voters appeared to be in generous spirits. They approved statewide ballot measures to fix the state's crumbling public schools and address some of California's pressing water needs.
