judy chu takes the lead

It's too soon to tell, but it looks like Judy Chu is the front runner to win California 32nd Congressional District. Chu topped a field of twelve candidates in yesterday's election, making her the favorite to claim the seat in a July runoff: Asian-American leads Latino district in Calif..

With all percent of precincts reporting, Chu had 31.9 percent, followed by fellow state senator Gil Cedillo with 23.4 percent. Because no candidate cleared a majority, the top finishers in each party advance to a July 14 runoff. If elected, she would be Southern California's only Asian American in Congress.

Things look good for Chu, who has emerged as the leading contender in an overwhelmingly Hispanic district. Now there's only a slight snag to face in the July runoff... Yesterday's Republican winner is Betty Chu -- no relation to Judy. Another Chu! With two Chus in the race, things could get a little confusing for voters... More here: Judy Chu defeats Gil Cedillo but faces runoff in 32nd Congressional District.

UPDATE: No freaking way. I've been informed that Republican Monterey Park City Councilmember Betty Chu is actually Judy Chu's cousin by marriage. It's the Battle of the Chus! Though I think it's pretty safe to consider Judy Chu the presumptive winner.