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Campaign & Electio Covewrage 2002
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50 States: Election results

Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 6, 2002

Alabama

SENATE: First-term conservative Republican Jeff Sessions beat Democratic state auditor Susan Parker.

GOVERNOR: Undecideds loomed large in tight, nasty race between Democratic incumbent Don Siegelman and Republican Rep. Bob Riley.

HOUSE: Third District turned into national battleground, as Democrats sought to gain seat for Joe Turnham in close race with GOP state Rep. Mike Rogers.

PROPOSITIONS: Create rainy day fund for state budget.

Alaska

SENATE: Republican Ted Stevens faced four underfunded challengers, including Democrat Frank Vondersaar -- who has no telephone and a grudge against the five-term incumbent.

GOVERNOR: Republican Sen. Frank Murkowski in close race with Democratic Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer to replace Democrat Tony Knowles.

HOUSE: Little opposition for incumbent Don Young.

PROPOSITIONS: Move Legislature from Juneau to lower central Alaska.

Arizona

GOVERNOR: GOP stronghold a surprise battleground for Democratic Attorney General Janet Napolitano, Republican Matt Salmon.

HOUSE: Visits by President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and 2-to-1 fundraising advantage gave Republican Rick Renzi edge over Democrat George Cordova in new 1st District.

PROPOSITIONS: Three propositions sought to expand casino gambling.

Arkansas

SENATE: Democrat Mark Pryor, son of a longtime U.S. senator, defeated Tim Hutchinson, state's first GOP senator since Reconstruction.

GOVERNOR: Former Baptist minister Mike Huckabee in unexpectedly tough race with 22-year state treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher.

HOUSE: Rematch for Democratic Rep. Mike Ross and the Republican he beat two years ago, Jay Dickey.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to ban sales taxes on food and medicine, make animal cruelty a felony.

California

GOVERNOR: Democratic Gov. Gray Davis raised more than $60-million to take on Republican businessman Bill Simon.

HOUSE: Most contested race: Democratic Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza vs. Republican state Sen. Richard Monteith to fill seat vacated by Rep. Gary Condit.

PROPOSITIONS: Let the state sell $13-billion in bonds for new schools.

Colorado

SENATE: Republican incumbent Wayne Allard beat Democrat Tom Strickland in rematch.

GOVERNOR: Republican Bill Owens re-elected, defeating Democrat Rollie Heath.

HOUSE: Unaffiliated voters -- 34 percent of new 7th Congressional District -- play key role in deciding between Democrat Mike Feeley and Republican Bob Beauprez.

PROPOSITIONS: Measure to join California and Arizona in replacing bilingual education with intensive English-immersion program.

Connecticut

GOVERNOR: Republican John G. Rowland won third term against Democrat Bill Curry, who lost to him in 1994 and then worked in the Clinton White House.

HOUSE: Rep. Nancy Johnson, a Republican, defeated fellow incumbent Rep. Jim Maloney, a Democrat, for the new 5th District.

Delaware

SENATE: Democrat Joseph Biden won state-record sixth term in rematch with Republican Ray Clatworthy.

HOUSE: Michael Castle coasts to a sixth term, beating Democrat Mike Miller.

District of Columbia

MAYOR: Democrat Anthony A. Williams overcame ethics and petition problems to grab a second term in rematch against Republican Carol Schwartz.

HOUSE: Eleanor Holmes Norton a cinch for re-election as city's congressional delegate.

Georgia

SENATE: Republican Rep. Saxby Chambliss denied Max Cleland a second term in the Senate after a campaign in which he painted the triple amputee Vietnam veteran as being too soft on homeland security.

GOVERNOR: Republican Sonny Perdue won against Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes. Democrats have held centurylong stranglehold on governor's mansion.

HOUSE: Democrats hoped to take 7-6 lead, including five blacks -- most by any state ever.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to create program for voluntary sterilization of cats and dogs, funded by license plate fees.

Hawaii

GOVERNOR: With Republican Linda Lingle and Democrat Mazie Hirono, Hawaiians knew they might elect their first Republican since 1959, but they surely would get their first female governor.

HOUSE: Republican Bob McDermott was the only living major-party candidate in the 2nd District, but Patsy Mink, on the ballot even though she died Sept. 28, was favored to win.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to allow prosecutors to submit documents directly to a judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial, instead of going through preliminary proceeding or grand jury.

Idaho

SENATE: Republican Larry Craig won third term over Democrat Alan Blinken, former Wall Street investment banker.

GOVERNOR: Republican Gov. Dirk Kempthorne defeats Democratic newspaper publisher Jerry Brady.

HOUSE: Freshman incumbent Republican Butch Otter fending off strong effort by former Democratic U.S. Attorney Betty Richardson.

PROPOSITIONS: First-in-the-nation repeal of statewide term limits.

Illinois

SENATE: First-term Democrat Dick Durbin defeated underfunded, little-known, similarly named Republican Jim Durkin.

GOVERNOR: Three-term Rep. Rod Blagojevich became the first Democratic governor in 25 years, beating Republican Attorney General Jim Ryan. Scandal-plagued Gov. George Ryan, no relation to Jim Ryan, did not seek election.

HOUSE: Redistricting set up one hot race between incumbents: Republican John Shimkus vs. Democrat David Phelps.

Indiana

HOUSE: Republican Chris Chocola defeated former U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson in 2nd District in a pinstripes-vs.-populist contest saturated with attack ads.

Iowa

SENATE: Democrat Tom Harkin, chairman of Senate Agriculture Committee, swatted down challenge by Rep. Greg Ganske.

GOVERNOR: Tom Vilsack won second term over moneyed Republican lawyer Doug Gross.

HOUSE: Rep. Jim Leach, a moderate first elected 26 years ago, encountered unexpectedly strong support for Democratic opponent Julie Thomas, a Cedar Rapids pediatrician campaigning on social issues.

PROPOSITIONS: Eleven counties voted on reauthorizing casino gambling.

Kansas

SENATE: Republican Pat Roberts won second term against token, third-party opposition.

GOVERNOR: Democrats grabbed the governor's mansion in the predominantly Republican state. Kathleen Sebelius beat Republican Tim Shallenburger to replace GOP Gov. Bill Graves.

HOUSE: Top contest pitted Democrat incumbent Dennis Moore against Republican newcomer Adam Taff in GOP-dominated 3rd District.

Kentucky

SENATE: Mitch McConnell trounced Democrat newcomer Lois Combs Weinberg, becoming the first Kentucky Republican elected to four consecutive terms.

HOUSE: Republican Anne Northup won a fourth term in her majority Democrat district with campaign help from GOP bigwigs, including President Bush (twice) and House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

PROPOSITIONS: Constitutional amendment approved to ratify creation of Family Courts to exclusively handle domestic legal matters.

Louisiana

SENATE: Democrat Mary Landrieu faces Dec. 7 runoff because she failed to get 50 percent in race that included three Republicans.

HOUSE: Fifth District seat, vacant because of Republican John Cooksey's run for Senate, drew large field and seemed destined for runoff.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend constitution to swap "temporary" sales taxes for restructured income tax.

Maine

SENATE: Moderate Republican freshman incumbent Susan Collins fended off challenge by state Sen. Chellie Pingree, a liberal Democrat.

GOVERNOR: Democrat John Baldacci wins four-way contest to replace independent Angus King.

HOUSE: Tight race in 2nd District, where Republican Kevin Raye, longtime aide to Sen. Olympia Snowe, faced Democrat Mike Michaud, veteran state legislator.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to give state Transportation Department more flexibility in borrowing.

Maryland

GOVERNOR: Republican Rep. Robert Ehrlich defeated Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who hoped to be first member of Kennedy family elected governor.

HOUSE: Democratic state Sen. Christopher Van Hollen defeated liberal Republican incumbent Constance Morella.

Massachusetts

SENATE: No surprise: Victory for Democrat John Kerry, the first incumbent Massachusetts senator in 80 years with no major-party opposition.

GOVERNOR: Olympics guru Mitt Romney, a Republican, took five-way race to replace Republican acting Gov. Jane Swift.

HOUSE: Democrats kept all seats, with incumbents winning all four contested races.

PROPOSITIONS: Eliminate state income tax.

Michigan

SENATE: Democrat Carl Levin breezed to a fifth term against Republican state Rep. Andrew Rocky Raczkowski, who was unable to raise enough money to run a single TV ad.

GOVERNOR: Democratic Attorney General Jennifer Granholm defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus to become state's first female governor.

HOUSE: GOP-controlled redistricting and one less seat expected to give Republicans 9-6 edge.

PROPOSITIONS: Require 90 percent of state tobacco settlement go to hospitals, nursing homes and antismoking programs, rather than college scholarship program and general fund budget.

Minnesota

SENATE: Former Vice President Walter Mondale a last-minute Democratic sub for the late Paul Wellstone in crucial battle against former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman.

GOVERNOR: Three-way match to replace independent Jesse Ventura: Democrat Roger Moe vs. Republican Tim Pawlenty vs. independent Tim Penny.

HOUSE: Embattled incumbent Democrat Bill Luther plagued by disclosure that his staff backed a bogus candidate to sap support from Republican John Kline.

Mississippi

SENATE: Republican Thad Cochran won fifth term over lone opponent, independent Shawn O'Hara.

HOUSE: GOP Rep. Chip Pickering beat Democratic Rep. Ronnie Shows in a battle of incumbents caused by redistricting.

PROPOSITIONS: Voters rejected amending Constitution to increase term of trial judges to six years.

Missouri

SENATE: Democrat Jean Carnahan, appointed to the seat won posthumously by her late husband, Mel Carnahan, in real battle against Republican Jim Talent, a former congressman.

HOUSE: Redistricting believed to have favored most incumbents, especially House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of St. Louis.

PROPOSITIONS: Proposal to increase cigarette tax to 72 cents a pack from 17 cents and increase other tobacco taxes by 20 percent, with the revenues to go largely to health care.

Montana

SENATE: Four-term Democratic incumbent Max Baucus defeated Republican challenger Mike Taylor, who abandoned campaign for two weeks over Democratic ad that he said made him look like a gay hairdresser.

HOUSE: Republican Denny Rehberg won second term as state's lone congressman over little-known Democratic challenger Steve Kelly.

Nebraska

SENATE: Republican star Chuck Hagel cruised to win in bid for second term against unemployed Democrat Charlie Matulka.

GOVERNOR: Republican Gov. Mike Johanns, who raised more than $1-million despite state budget crisis, trounced challenger Stormy Dean, who got only pennies from Democratic donors.

HOUSE: GOP held all three seats. Democrats fielded a candidate in only one race -- Internet millionaire Jim Simon, who lost to two-term Republican Lee Terry.

PROPOSITIONS: Early returns showed voters rejecting amendment to strike archaic language ordering private schools to teach only in English.

Nevada

GOVERNOR: Popular Republican incumbent Kenny Guinn easily beat state Sen. Joe Neal.

HOUSE: Ethics issues plagued Democrat Dario Herrera in race against Republican Jon Porter for new 3rd District House seat.

PROPOSITIONS: Voters approved constitutional amendment barring gay marriages, rejected one allowing possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana.

New Hampshire

SENATE: Republican Rep. John E. Sununu defeated Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen to take this cliffhanger. Sununu had ousted conservative Sen. Bob Smith in primary.

GOVERNOR: Republican Craig Benson beats Democrat Mark Fernald. Fernald's proposed income tax for schools contrasted with the antitax campaign by entrepreneur Benson.

HOUSE: Moderate Republican Jeb Bradley beat a flock of conservatives in primary for Sununu's seat, then went on to beat Democrat Martha Fuller Clark.

PROPOSITIONS: Assert legislative supremacy over court rules.

New Jersey

SENATE: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg, enlisted to run after Sen. Robert Torricelli dropped out, holds on to the seat for Democrats against Republican businessman Douglas Forrester.

HOUSE: In a race to succeed retiring moderate Rep. Marge Roukema, conservative state lawmaker Scott Garrett beat "Roukema Republican" turned Democrat Anne Sumers.

New Mexico

SENATE: Republican Pete Domenici coasted to sixth term against Democrat Gloria Tristani, a former Clinton appointee to the Federal Communications Commission.

GOVERNOR: Democrat Bill Richardson, Clinton's energy secretary, beat Republican John Sanchez.

HOUSE: Democrat John Arthur Smith and Republican Steve Pearce in super-close race for open seat in southern New Mexico's 69,000 square-mile district.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend constitution to create state holiday honoring Cesar Chavez.

New York

GOVERNOR: In record $115-million race, Republican Gov. George Pataki won third term, beating Democrat H. Carl McCall and billionaire Independence candidate B. Thomas Golisano.

HOUSE: Republican Rep. Felix Grucci, Long Island fireworks magnate, accused Democrat Timothy Bishop of being lax on rape accusations as college provost.

North Carolina

SENATE: Former GOP Cabinet secretary Elizabeth Dole outran another Washington insider, former Clinton chief of staff Erskine Bowles, to replace 30-year Senate veteran Jesse Helms.

HOUSE: Incumbent Republican Robin Hayes beat Democrat Chris Kouri after facing questions about his support for bill giving President Bush authority to negotiate fast-track trade agreements.

North Dakota

HOUSE: Democrat Earl Pomeroy sought sixth term in state's sole seat against Republican challenger Rick Clayburgh, state tax commissioner.

PROPOSITIONS: Make a multistate lottery legal; give income tax and student loan breaks to residents younger than 30.

Ohio

GOVERNOR: Gov. Bob Taft, great-grandson of President William Howard Taft, uses a big name and big money to beat Democrat Tim Hagan.

HOUSE: Democrat Tim Ryan soared past Republican Ann Womer Benjamin and former Rep. James Traficant, who ran from prison as an independent.

PROPOSITIONS: Agreeing with Taft, voters rejected constitutional requirement that judges order treatment instead of prison for nonviolent first- and second-time drug offenders who request it.

Oklahoma

SENATE: Republican Jim Inhofe handily won a second term, beating former Gov. David Walters, a Democrat, and James Germalic, an independent, by double-digit margins.

GOVERNOR: Democrat Brad Henry beat Republican former congressman and former football star Steve Largent and independent Gary Richardson to succeed Republican Frank Keating.

HOUSE: Republican Tom Cole beat Democrat Darryl Roberts in battle to replace Republican J.C. Watts, fourth-ranking member of the House.

PROPOSITIONS: Voters banned cockfighting, leaving only two states where the blood sport is allowed.

Oregon

SENATE: Republican Gordon Smith, frozen food tycoon seeking second term, won after raising almost four times as much as Democrat Bill Bradbury.

GOVERNOR: Veteran Democratic officeholder Ted Kulongoski and former Republican lawmaker Kevin Mannix in surprisingly close contest to replace Gov. John Kitzhaber.

HOUSE: Incumbents faced marginal opponents.

PROPOSITIONS: Require labeling of genetically modified foods and provide health insurance for every man, woman and child in the state.

Pennsylvania

GOVERNOR: Democrat Ed Rendell became first Philadelphian elected governor since 1914, a fact that underscores historical tension between Pennsylvania's largest city and rest of mostly rural state.

HOUSE: Redistricting pitted incumbents Tim Holden and George Gekas against each other.

PROPOSITIONS: Borrow up to $100-million to buy equipment for volunteer fire and ambulance companies.

Rhode Island

SENATE: Incumbent Jack Reed elected to second term, an easy winner over Republican casino pit boss Bob Tingle.

GOVERNOR: Republican political newcomer Don Carcieri defeated three-time Democratic candidate Myrth York in close race to succeed Republican Gov. Lincoln Almond.

HOUSE: Incumbent Democrat Patrick Kennedy earned a fifth term despite challenges to his accountability from former Navy SEAL Dave Rogers.

PROPOSITIONS: Measure to balance power between state's executive and legislative branches.

South Carolina

SENATE: After 48 years, Strom Thurmond is vacating his seat. Republican Rep. Lindsey Graham beat Democrat Alex Sanders, former president of the College of Charleston, to fill it.

GOVERNOR: Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford, who promised to improve economy, defeated one-term Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges.

HOUSE: Incumbents safe in five districts; Republican Gresham Barrett won Graham's seat.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend constitution to allow treasurer to invest part of the state retirement fund in non-U.S. companies traded on foreign stock exchanges.

South Dakota

SENATE: Freshman Democrat Tim Johnson and Republican U.S. Rep. John Thune in tough battle, serving as proxies for White House and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

GOVERNOR: Mike Rounds, surprise winner of nasty GOP primary, defeated university president Jim Abbott, a Democrat.

HOUSE: At-large seat vacated by Thune. Four-term Republican Gov. Bill Janklow in surprisingly close race against Democratic newcomer Stephanie Herseth.

PROPOSITIONS: Voters defeated measure that would have let criminal defendants argue juries should ignore the laws under which they are charged.

Tennessee

SENATE: Lamar Alexander, former governor and perennial presidential candidate, beat Rep. Bob Clement to help GOP keep retiring Fred Thompson's seat.

GOVERNOR: Democrat and former Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen, who talked up management skills, beat Republican Rep. Van Hilleary, who talked down an income tax.

HOUSE: Democrat state Sen. Lincoln Davis tipped the balance of power by beating Republican Janice Bowling for Hilleary's 4th District seat.

PROPOSITIONS: Constitutional amendment approved to create state lottery to fund college scholarships.

Texas

SENATE: Republican state Attorney General John Cornyn beat Democrat Ron Kirk to replace Phil Gramm.

GOVERNOR: Gov. Rick Perry fought off big-spending banker Tony Sanchez, a Hispanic Democrat, to keep office in Republican hands.

HOUSE: Popular Dallas disc jockey Ron Chapman endorsed Republican Jeb Hensarling, whose opponent also happens to be named Ron Chapman. Hensarling won.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to allow counties to shut down constable positions that have been vacant for seven years.

Utah

HOUSE: Late in race, Republicans poured big money into campaign against state's most vulnerable incumbent, 2nd District Democrat Jim Matheson.

PROPOSITIONS: Raise taxes on the nuclear waste industry to pay for school textbooks and computers and help the homeless and impoverished.

Vermont

GOVERNOR: Legislature would pick governor in January if no candidate took 50 percent of vote in 10-way race to replace retiring Democratic Gov. Howard Dean.

HOUSE: Rep. Bernie Sanders won a seventh term.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to remove mandatory retirement for judges at age 70.

Virginia

SENATE: Republican John Warner took his fifth six-year term without Democratic opponent -- party decided against an expensive and probably futile run.

HOUSE: Democrat James Moran sailed past Republican challenger Scott Tate despite accusations that Moran twice accepted loans from groups that had an interest in legislation before Congress.

PROPOSITIONS: Defying their governor, voters refused new sales taxes of 1 cent in southeastern Virginia and a half-cent in northern Virginia to pay for highway and transit projects.

Washington

HOUSE: Freshman Democrat Rick Larsen trying to ward off scrappy challenge from Republican Norma Smith, whose commercials cite Larsen's opposition to President Bush's Iraq resolution and amendment to ban flag-burning.

PROPOSITIONS: Raise state gasoline tax 9 cents to pay for massive slate of highway improvements, mostly in the Seattle area.

West Virginia

SENATE: Democrat Jay Rockefeller easily won fourth term over little-known Republican opponent Jay Wolfe.

HOUSE: Republican Shelley Moore Capito won a bruising rematch with Democrat Jim Humphreys, the millionaire lawyer she beat in 2000.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitution to allow local governments to pay for economic development with bonds backed by property tax increases.

Wisconsin

GOVERNOR: Democrat Jim Doyle beat Republican Gov. Scott McCallum and Libertarian Ed Thompson.

HOUSE: In state's most heated race, Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who is openly homosexual, won re-election over Republican Ron Greer, a Madison minister who blasted what he called her "radical pro-gay agenda."

Wyoming

SENATE: Conservative Republican Mike Enzi triumphed over Democrat Joyce Jansa Corcoran, ensuring GOP hold on both Wyoming's Senate seats.

GOVERNOR: In race to replace Republican Gov. Jim Geringer, Republican Eli Bebout emphasized his experience as a former state legislator, and former federal prosecutor Dave Freudenthal de-emphasized his Democratic Party affiliation.

HOUSE: GOP incumbent Barbara Cubin earned a fifth term as Wyoming's lone representative, facing underfinanced Democrat Ron Akin, a career Air Force man and former Republican.

PROPOSITIONS: Amend Constitition to allow Legislature to decide disputed presidential elections.

Back to Election 2002

State
  • Bush, decisively
  • Attorney General: Crist's win ensures all-GOP Cabinet
  • Agriculture Commissioner: Bronson keeps agriculture job
  • Voters decide price no object for schools
  • Smoking limited, hog crates enlarged
  • This election proves mostly smooth sailing
  • For McBride faithful, his loss cuts deep
  • Adam Smith: Victory for Bush, but with a hitch

  • U.S. Congress
  • 5th Dist.: Brown-Waite ousts Rep. Thurman
  • 9th Dist.: Bilirakis extends his winning streak
  • GOP icon Harris beats ex-Clinton aide

  • State House
  • Dist. 46: Fiorentino wins decidedly
  • State House results

  • State Senate
  • Dist. 3: Argenziano nabs seat from incumbent Mitchell
  • Dist. 11: Fasano trounces ex-Pasco sheriff
  • Dist. 13: Jones is headed back to capital
  • Dist. 16: Sebesta easily wins second term
  • Butterworth Senate bid falls short

  • Citrus
  • County Commission: Fowler wins, says he learned lessons; Bartell prevails
  • County Mosquito Control Board: Incumbent Buzby, 2 newcomers win seats
  • City of Crystal River: Mayor keeps post; Taylor loses seat; Holmes defeats 2
  • Glitches are rare as voters fill polls

  • Hernando
  • Election smooth and easy
  • School Board: Wiggins beats Galaydick to keep seat on board
  • County Commission: Schenck stuns Kingsley; Robinson re-elected
  • City of Brooksville: Wever holds off Burnett to keep seat
  • Spring Hill Fire and Rescue: Fire district to remain under county control

  • Hillsborough
  • County Commission: Castor pulls ahead of Hart
  • County School Board: Bricklemyer, Faliero win runoff
  • Temple Terrace City Council: One incumbent and two newcomers win seats
  • Auditor referendum headed toward win
  • Iorio: 'Smoothest election' ever

  • Pasco
  • County Commission: Mulieri coasts to victory over Cox
  • Big turnout, quick turnaround
  • Dade City charter change rolls toward passage

  • Pinellas
  • School Board: Brown's win a Pinellas first
  • County Commission: Morroni captures second term
  • Pinellas referendum results
  • East Lake Special Fire Control Dist. New election, same result: Bobel wins fire board seat
  • Palm Harbor Fire Rescue: Newcomer tops board chief
  • A new School Board era begins
  • Technological glitch taints Pinellas' smooth election
  • Beach Communities decide on compensation, spending policy
  • Treasure Island: Yes means no; what now?
  • New faces are voted into Pinellas Suncoast Fire District

  • Judiciary
  • Circuit 6, Group 26 Judge: Babb cruises to victory in judge race
  • Hillsborough County Circuit Judges: Seats go to Cook, Sierra
  • Florida Supreme Court: 2 justices headed for retention
  • Judiciary: Six judges retain their seats

  • Nation
  • Bucking history, Republicans hold their own
  • Democrats gain in governorships
  • Voter News Service abandons exit poll plans
  • Without consortium, TV cautious
  • 3 states reject drug reform measures
  • Control of Senate remains undecided
  • Computer problems mar vote in Ga., Texas
  • 50 States: Election results
  • Election notebook
  • Back to Top
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