After months of build-up and millions of dollars spent on a blizzard of television ads and mailers, Los Angeles voters went to the polls Tuesday and selected Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti as their next potential mayor. The long-time City Hall hands, who will advance to a May 21 runoff, don't have any plans to let up the day after the primary. They will be busy on the campaign trail on Wednesday, with Greuel expected to pick up the endorsement of another union representing city workers.
Rivals Jan Perry and Kevin James did not offer their concessions Tuesday night. James, who has never held elected office, received a hair more support than Perry, a long-time Los Angeles politician, in the final tally. A key question going forward will be whether they endorse Garcetti or Greuel, because their voters could make or break either candidate in the runoff.
Turnout in the city races was dismal at 16% in a contested mayoral primary. That's lower than when the city last had an incumbent in the race four years ago. Political experts have speculated that the distinct lack of enthusiasm may have been caused by voter fatigue after a bruising and long presidential contest, coupled with a lack of excitement about the mayoral field.
RESULTS: Los Angeles primary election
However, the voters who turned out overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to raise the city's sales tax by a half-cent to one of the highest in the state. While all the mayoral candidates opposed the move, the measure's failure creates a new headache for whoever will be the next politician to lead the city, which will face budget deficits projected at $216 million a year and more.
The city school board races saw an inordinate amount of outside spending, with two camps pouring millions of dollars to determine the make-up of the Los Angeles Unified School District board of education. One side is funded by reform advocates such as New York City Michael Bloomberg, who wrote a $1 million check, and supports candidates backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who are supporters of Supt. Antonio Villaraigosa. The other is backed by unions. The result is a mixed bag for both sides, with board president Monica Garcia, a reform-advocate, and Steve Zimmer, a union-backed candidate, both winning reelection.
Sacramento veterans lead in city council races, and the city attorney and controller are also headed for a runoff.
INTERACTIVE MAP: How your neighborhood voted
Vote counting took hours, but the greatest drama of the day took place in the morning. A morning shooting occurred outside a polling place in Watts, injuring a poll worker and halting voting for 30 minutes. The 35-year-old victim's injuries were not life threatening. Police described the incident as a possible "love triangle" and are seeking a male suspect.
Columnist Steve Lopez checked in on Election Day with the voters he has been in periodic touch with since January. They voted, despite their frustration with the field and with City Hall. "No one is turning cartwheels," Lopez wrote.
ALSO:
Steve Lopez: Switch local elections to national cycle?
Suspect sought in polling place 'love triangle' shooting
L.A. mayor's race: SEIU, a key city union, endorses Wendy Greuel -- Seema Mehta
Comments, questions or tips on city elections? Tweet me at @LATSeema
Photo: Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel speak to supporters during election night gatherings. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times; Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
