"In a race that drew national attention," state Sen. John Campbell (R) won a special election to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA), "ending the night with nearly 45% of the vote," the Los Angeles Times reports.
"But it was Minuteman Project co-founder and first-time candidate Jim Gilchrist of the American Independent Party who drew the spotlight with his one-issue campaign... Gilchrist controlled the debate, focusing almost solely on illegal immigration."
Democrat Steve Young finished second with 28%, and Gilchrist was third with 25%.
Chuck Todd: "If there was a mild surprise, it was that Young edged out Gilchrist for second... This is still a hot-button issue for GOP primaries in 2006 but will it be an issue that swings votes in general elections? That still remains to be seen."