In addition to helping pick a governor, Southland voters will join their counterparts across California today to fill other top state offices and decide on a series of propositions.
Democrat Gavin Newsom is looking to retain his post as lieutenant governor. He is being challenged by Republican businessman Ron Nehring.
Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, and Republican Pete Peterson are vying to become secretary of state, while Republican Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin is battling Betty Yee, a member of the state Board of Equalization, to become state controller.
Controller John Chiang, a Democrat, is looking to become state Treasurer against Republican businessman Greg Conlon, while Democratic state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is battling for re-election against Republican insurance agent Ted Gaines.
Kamala Harris is likely to win re-election as attorney general. She faces a challenge from Republican attorney Ronald Gold.
A much tougher race to call is the nonpartisan battle between incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and his challenger, schools executive Marshall Tuck.
Among other propositions, voters will also decide the fate of:
— Proposition 45, which would require the state Insurance Commissioner to approve changes in small group insurance rates, affecting companies with less than 50 employees; and
— Proposition 48, which would ratify gaming compacts between the state and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Wiyot Tribe for a casino in the San Joaquin Valley. Opponents say the compacts fly in the face of long-held guarantees that casinos would be restricted to tribal lands.
