Republican Chris Norby, Orange County Supervisor since 2002, prevailed as victor yesterday over Democrat John MacMurray and Green Party candidate Jane Rands in the Special Election to replace disgraced Republican Assemblyman Mike Duvall.
As expected in the heavily Republican district, Norby won with an impressive 62.9% (20,292 votes) of ballots cast, versus 31.0% (10,018 votes) for MacMurray and 6.1% (1,963 votes) for Rands. Voter turnout was light at 14.8% of registered voters; more than 80% of votes were cast via absentee ballots.
Supporters of Democrat MacMurray, a middle-school history teacher, put in an extended, spirited campaign effort… an unusual occurrence for liberals in North Orange County… but Norby’s name recognition, owing to his long career in Orange County politics, was too much to overcome. MacMurray also ran for the A.D. #72 seat in 2008 and 2006.
Chris Norby was elected to the Fullerton City Council for five four-year terms, starting in 1984. Norby, a former high school history teacher, was first elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2002.
The Orange County Register reports that Norby is expected to be sworn in by the end of January, after he resigns as Supervisor of the Fourth District.
Norby must run for reelection in November. No word as to whether or not MacMurray will join the November 2010 race.