In a state where personal marijuana use is virtually legal, Californians decided not to go all the way and decriminalize recreational marijuana consumption. Defying the national trend, however, Golden Staters just said no to Republican rule.

Jerry Brown will reprise his role as governor, defeating former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Whitman spent more than $140 million of her own money on her campaign, which, when compared with Brown’s $35 million effort, diminished her claims of fiscal responsibility and business savvy. Still, in these difficult times, we Californians thank Ms. Whitman for her money. Our economy really needed it.

Another former CEO, Carly Fiorina, gave Sen. Barbara Boxer a tough fight, but it was one seat in Congress the Democrats managed to hold onto.

Californians continue to demonstrate a fondness for redistricting, voting in large numbers to limit elected officials’ involvement in the process.

Voters, however, made it easier for their legislators to pass a budget, a gridlocked fiasco that had been a national embarrassment.

Also worth noting, Californians shot down a polluter-backed proposition that would have delayed implementation of the state’s forward thinking clean air rules. — PZS

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