Winners avoid runoffs in two special elections for California Senate

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Republican Sharon Runner of Lancaster and Democrat Ted Lieu of Torrance handily won two widely watched special elections Tuesday, avoiding the need for April 19 runoffs.

The elections were the first to be held under the state's new balloting system, in which voters choose among all candidates in a primary and the top two vote-getters, not the top finisher from each party as previously, compete in a runoff. Because these were special primaries and both candidates won majorities, there will be no runoffs.

In the South Bay's 28th Senate District, where the death of Long Beach Democrat Jenny Oropeza created a vacancy, Lieu, 41, a former assemblyman, jumped into the race even before a special election could be called. He quickly lined up enough backing to discourage other prominent Democrats from running.

Still, with seven other candidates on the ballot, he had to work hard to win a majority Tuesday. He flooded voters' mailboxes and touted backing from Democratic and local political leaders. Gov Jerry Brown campaigned for him last week. Unofficial election night returns gave Lieu 57% of the vote.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-special-elections-web-20110216,0,6616884.story