SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCBS) -- Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has defeated his Republican opponent in a Contra Costa congressional race to replace Ellen Tauscher.
With about a third of the votes counted in the East Bay, the Democrat and longtime player on California's political stage was ahead by nearly 16 points over David Harmer.
Garamendi has nearly 56 percent of the votes compared to 40 percent for Harmer who is a lawyer.
The seat opened up when the Democratic incumbent, Ellen Tauscher, took a job in the Obama administration.
2009 Election Results
Garamendi, 64, enjoyed wide name recognition because of his many years in elective office and two failed runs for the Democratic nomination for governor.
The former state lawmaker and insurance commissioner has been in politics for 35 years, including serving as deputy secretary of the Interior Department in the Clinton administration.
Harmer, 47, also has a political pedigree. His father, John Harmer, served briefly as California's lieutenant governor, from 1974 to 1975.
Meanwhile, in Walnut Creek, voters were saying Yes to allowing a Neiman Marcus store at Broadway Plaza.
(clo)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
DW.pageParams = {
siteId: '255'
};
DW.clear();
DW.trackClicks();
