Charlatans in Sacramento

"It was now the era of charlatans." Judge and former state Sen. Quentin Kopp, describing the last two decades of insurance commissioners, at the inaugural ceremony for Steve Poizner. Kopp, giving a history lesson, said Poizner had restored "competence" to the office. Last item here.

Poizner Wins

Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has lost to Republican Steve Poizner, the high-tech entrepreneur, in the race for insurance commissioner. It's the second statewide victory for the GOP tonight in this heavily Democratic state.

Bustamante, whose campaign focused almost exclusively on his obesity and recent weight loss, lost respect among many California voters after challenging Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2003 recall despite Democratic efforts to stay out of the "circus." Bustamante has said he will find something else to do besides politics.

In evening returns, Bustamante received about one-third of the votes cast, compared to two-thirds for Poizer. Poizner, shown in photo with his wife, Carol, spent more than $11 million of his own money on the race, while Bustamante struggled to raise funds. Poizner's apparent victory comes two years after he spent $6 million in a losing Assembly race in the Bay Area.

UPDATE: The Associated Press called Poizner the winner at 9:40 p.m. Bustamante has conceded as well. Poizner said: "I'm excited about the size of the victory. It will give me the ability to be quite bold."

(Photos: AP)