Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 3, 1993 TAG: 9311030224
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Rudolph Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, narrowly defeated David Dinkins, New York's first black mayor, in a rematch of their contest four years ago.
Republican Christie Whitman narrowly beat Jim Florio in New Jersey, dealing the incumbent - and his Democratic Party - a stunning defeat after Florio had appeared headed for victory.
The losses were yet another embarrassment for President Clinton, whose party has lost two Senate seats, the Los Angeles mayor's job and now two governorships since his victory a year ago.
"We did it," Whitman told a post-midnight rally. Moments later, Florio conceded.
With 91 percent of the New York vote in, Republican Rudolph Giuliani led 50 percent to 49 percent for Dinkins - a margin of 25,000 votes of 1.5 million cast.
Elsewhere, ballot issues around the nation tested the public mood about crime and taxes - and offered an early look at the climate awaiting 1994 candidates.
Dramatic turnover in the nation's city halls was a sure bet, as Boston, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Miami and Minneapolis led a long list of open mayoral contests and the incumbent in Hartford, Conn., was ousted.
In all, there were races or ballot questions in 29 states. Term limits were endorsed in Maine and New York City. Texas voters approved a $1 billion bond issue to build more prisons.
Other statewide propositions included a school voucher proposal in California and a tax repeal in Washington state. In Cincinnati and Lewiston, Maine, voters repealed local gay rights laws.
But the high drama was in New York and New Jersey.
Three years after a $2.8 billion tax increase that sent his standing into the cellar, Florio had appeared poised for a comeback - and re-election.
With 98 percent of the votes reported, Whitman led 50 percent to 48 percent.
by CNB