Democrats rally at Renaissance-Hollywood Hotel as victories rack up

Californians cheered on as they brought back veteran Democrats, re-electing Sen. Barbara Boxer and Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Brown, who had been California’s governor from 1975 to 1983, will return to Sacramento for his third term after defeating Republican billionaire and former eBay Inc. CEO, Meg Whitman.

The gubernatorial race was one of the most expensive races in American history, with Whitman surpassing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s record election, spending at least $142 million of her own money in winning the GOP nomination.

The nasty race between parties resulted in dirty television advertisements and a back-lash between candidates. In the end, the people chose and stuck to the familiar and welcomed back Brown as the state’s governor.

A festive mood filled Studio C of the Hollywood Ballroom at the Renaissance-Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles Tuesday, for the Los Angeles Democratic Party election night viewing party.

The event included guests such as State Controller John Chiang, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Speaker John A. Perez and Senator Barbara Boxer.

Eric Bauman, Los Angeles Democratic Party chair, was the MC for the evening and kicked off the nights events by addressing the filled ballroom.

“California remains deep and blue,” Bauman said. “I want to say to each and every one of you, we are the beacon for progressive Democrats everywhere. Let me welcome you all here to a great celebration we are going to have tonight.”

Shortly after Bauman finished his welcome, the attendees erupted with applause when the large televisions at the front of the ballroom displayed a projection that Sen. Barbara Boxer would retain her seat for a fourth consecutive term.

“I am really happy with the event,” Travis Clarke, 23, a Northridge resident said. “I am very excited to hear Barbara Boxer speak.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa roused the crowd with congratulatory remarks for both Sen. Boxer and future California Gov. Jerry Brown.

“They say money can’t buy me love,” Villaraigosa said. “Apparently it can’t buy an election either.”

The mayor thanked volunteers who worked knocking on doors and making phone calls to encourage and inform voters on the election.

With news that the Democrats lost their majority in the house, attendees had mixed reactions to the election results.

“It’s upsetting that Democrats lost the house, but statewide it is pretty exciting, I am pretty upbeat about it,” said Dylan Gaul-Sanchez, 18, a student at San Fransisco State. “Overall it is a great event, really good turnout, everyone is in a good mood and it’s a nice setting.”

However, there was still a great deal of optimism for California politics, as well as Sen. Barbara Boxer.

“The bad news is that the other side has taken over the house,” said Rep. Diane Watson. “The good news is that we are sending Barbara Boxer back to the senate to fight for all of us.”

Attendees watched and cheered as governor elect Jerry Brown gave his victory speech in Oakland while waiting for Barbara Boxer to address them with her own victory speech.

At 11:15 p.m., Sen. Boxer began walking through the crowd of supporters toward the podium to give her victory speech.

“We just pulled out to a several point lead, and that’s before LA is in,” Boxer said. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this victory, after the toughest and roughest campaign of my life.”

Boxer officially congratulated governor elect Jerry Brown on his victory over Meg Whitman.

“Tonight we all came together, and we have a new governor – Jerry Brown,” Boxer said. “I wanted him to win so badly.”