Democrat Newsom re-elected lieutenant governor

LOS ANGELES -- Democrat Gavin Newsom has been elected to a second term as California lieutenant governor.

Newsom won the job Tuesday after campaigning on the idea that the low-profile post with few actual responsibilities can be used as a platform for change.

His challenger, former state Republican Party chairman Ron Nehring, argued that Newsom could have done more during his first stint in the office to help the state economy.

During his first term, the 47-year-old Newsom drew attention to domestic violence in the NFL, gay marriage and California's budget.

He also announced his support for the legalization of marijuana and his opposition to Gov. Jerry Brown's high-speed rail project.

Newsome previously served eight years as San Francisco mayor.