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Early results also indicate that /*Carmen Trutanich*/ holds a slight lead over City Councilman /*Jack Weiss*/ in the L.A. City Attorney race.
The Associated Press reports that Democratic state Assemblyman /*Curren Price*/ has been elected to the state Senate. Price takes the vacant 26th Senate District seat, which runs through parts of L.A. Curren replaces Democrat Mark Ridley-Thomas, who left the Senate after winning a race for Los Angeles County supervisor.
The focus of Tuesday's elections was on a series of propositions that /*Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger*/ says must pass in order to prevent the state budget deficit from swelling another $6 billion to $21 billion overall.
The most contentious measure, Proposition 1A, would have created a state spending cap and a rainy day fund, but it would have also extend the sales tax increase another year, and the income and vehicle tax increases another two years.
"People say, the poll numbers don't look too good, but I never take no for an answer," Schwarzenegger said.
"You always have to fight for everything until the very end, and I'll fight until the very end because I'm 100 percent convinced that those initiatives are very important for the future of California," he said. Schwarzenegger has already voted and will be in Washington, D.C.
Based on polls, the only proposition that was likely to pass was Proposition 1F, which would prevent lawmakers from getting a pay raise when the state has a budget deficit. The proposition passed easily and early.
The other measures faced an uphill battle.
Prop 1B, which would only go in effect if Prop 1A passes, would transfer revenue into a fund for schools and community colleges. That money was previously withheld. Prop 1A failed.
Many voters told Eyewitness News that they voted no on Prop 1A, saying they don't want to pay more on sales, income or vehicle taxes.
"I think that we're suffering enough. There's got to be another way," said voter Trish Johnson.
"No more, no more, I'm fed up with taxes here," said voter Meier Mizrahi.
Prop 1C would have allowed bigger lottery payments, improves marketing to get more players and allows the state to borrow money from future lottery profits to help balance the budget. Prop 1C was rejected.
A yes vote on Prop 1D allows California to temporarily shift money from the First 5 California Children and Family Health program to the general fund. Prop 1D was rejected.
Prop 1E would have amended the Mental Health Services Act to transfer some money for two years into the general fund. Prop 1E has been defeated.
California has 17.1 million registered voters, but officials are predicting low turnout. The turnout in Los Angeles may be higher, though, because of the city attorney's race, which is one of the most hotly contested battles on Tuesday.
With Rocky Delgadillo termed out, Councilman Jack Weiss and former deputy district attorney Carmen Trutanich are battling for his job.
Both Weiss and Trutanich voted early Tuesday morning, and both have strong endorsements.
Weiss is backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief William Bratton. Trutanich has the support of District Attorney Steve Cooley and Sheriff Lee Baca.
Polls closed at 8 p.m.
Eyewitness News Reporters Melissa MacBride, Subha Ravindhran, John North and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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