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Setback for White House

Dan Glaister

Los Angeles: Republicans were licking their wounds on Wednesday after a series of chastening reversals in elections across the country that cast further gloom over the Bush administration. Two Democratic Governors were elected by surprisingly large margins, in New Jersey and Virginia, the latter despite the last-minute intervention of President George W. Bush. In California, voters rejected proposals by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to reform the State's Government. It is the first time Mr Schwarzenegger has been defeated in an election, leading to speculation that his political career is nearing its end. The only bright spots for Republicans were in two mayoral races, including that of Michael Bloomberg, who won an expected second term in New York City. Republicans argued the elections had been decided by local, not national issues. The campaigns in Virginia, New Jersey, New York and California did have one thing in common: money. The two candidates spent $72 million on the race. In Virginia the candidates spent $40 million, and Mr Bloomberg spent $67 million on his campaign, while the Californian election cost $300 million.

- Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005

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