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Yvonne Kennedy |
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Local Republicans gather at the Rainey campaign headquarters to watch the elections. |
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"He was very tired," said campaign director Carl Fogliani. Rainey had not conceded defeat by midnight last night, but with 709 of the 930 precincts reporting, Rainey appeared to have lost the race, earning 43.1% to Democratic challenger Tom Torlakson's 54.2%. "It just goes to show I guess you can buy an election," a tearful Fogliani said. "Lies and sleazy tactics do pay off." It had been a tight race, and Rainey said it was the most difficult of his political career. "I've been in four elections for sheriff, two for the assembly and one for senate," Rainey said earlier yesterday evening, when the first returns showed him leading Torlakson, the Democratic assemblyman from the East Bay region that includes the Seventh Senate District. "This will be my eighth," Rainey said. "This one is more difficult because there's more money involved." Torlakson's win gives the Democrats a two-thirds majority in the state senate, which would give them power to override governor vetoes. "I don't care if it's the Republicans or the Democrats," Rainey said. "It's dangerous for one side to have all the power." Neither the Republican former sheriff nor the Democratic former high school science teacher have lost an election in the past 22 years. "They want a two-thirds majority so they don't need to consult with the Republicans on budgetary issues," said Brad Nail, Rainey's District Director. Rainey said money has been an obstacle in his campaign. "We were outspent two to one," he said. Rainey had publicly accused Senate President Pro Tem John Burton, D-San Francisco, of throwing money from the senate leadership fund at this election in order to build a two-thirds majority of Democrats in the state senate. The fund contributed more than $2.1 million dollars to Torlakson's campaign. The two candidates have spent a combined total of more than $5.5 million on this campaign -- about $12 for each voter. Rainey's press secretary Bob Taylor said the final amounts will reveal that this campaign broke records for state elections. "They've probably spent over $3 million and we've spent over $3 million," he said. The contested senate district includes most of Contra Costa County and a portion of Alameda County. The district includes two assembly districts: Torlakson's heavily Democratic District 11, and the Republican-dominated District 15, where Rainey served as an assemblyman until he was elected to the state senate in 1996. Mid-October Polls by the Contra Costa Times showed Torlakson with a seven percent lead over Rainey, gaining support in the Republican areas of the district. Analysts say both candidates are well-regarded by the voters, but that Torlakson's active precinct walking paid off. "Tom is a high energy person and it's infectious," said Dave Mason, Torlakson's campaign field director. "He can bring people together." But the Rainey camp said Rainey's quiet style would bring votes. "He is a modest gentleman," said Chick. "Not your typical back-slapping politician." Although competitive, the race has been gentlemanly. "There has been some mudslinging," said Chick. "But by and large this campaign has not been ugly. They've worked with each other. There's been no personal bashing on either side." Colleagues who have worked with both men describe Rainey as a trustworthy honest man who says little, but always stands by what he says. Torlakson is described as an energetic, outgoing character who is an expert fundraiser. Rainey and Torlakson hold similar views on key issues for the district they represent, according to Nail. "Their views are close on education and transportation," he said. But the voting records of these two self-described moderates show a clear rift along party lines, especially on issues of gun control and the environment. In a debate held on October 15 in Contra Costa, Torlakson accused Rainey of being soft on guns, while Rainey painted Torlakson as anti-business. Rainey has voted against or abstained from voting in legislation for safety licenses for handgun owners and funding for local gun buyback programs. Torlakson voted to increase the minimum wage, to ban new large-scale retailers and to require employers in large companies to provide sick leave for care of a child, parent or spouse.
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