We now have the results of Election 2002. Throughout the country, the Republican Party scored shocking victories over the Democratic Party in the gubernatorial and congressional elections. An example on point is the Perdue-Barnes race in the State of Georgia. Senator Sonny Perdue defeated Georgia Governor Roy Barnes for the Governor's position. Perdue's victory was shocking because he will become Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction following the Civil War. Barnes outspent Perdue something like 15 to 1. The Republicans gained three more seats in the House of Representatives to bring their total to 226, eight more than the minimum requirement for majority leadership. The Republicans also gained two more seats in the Senate or a 51 to 46 advantage over the Democrats with one Independent. The Democrats previously held control of the Senate by one member. Some political commentaries believe that the Republicans won several of the close races because of the fierce campaigning by President George W. Bush. Also, the Democrats should have been more aggressive in terms of pushing their policies as opposed to personal attacks on opposing candidates.

On the local front, there really were no surprises. The political candidates that were incumbents were re-elected. The measures backed by the Santa Monicans for Renters Rights prevailed except for one. The request for the Rent Control Board Commissioners and the City Council persons to obtain increased salaries and medical benefits at the expense of the taxpayers was defeated by the voters. Of course, the proposed Rent Control amendments passed which gives tenants greater flexibility to pick and chose their roommates without the property owner's consent. As soon as the Rent Control Board promulgates new rules and regulations to implement the changes, we shall advise the membership of ACTION. VERITAS was defeated and SMRPH was also defeated. It is unfortunate that tenants will not have the opportunity to become homeowners, but this issue will most likely be presented at the next election, again.