Krekorian Leads in L.A. Council Race, To Face December 8 Runoff

Despite having been outspent nearly two-to-one by his closest opponent, California State Assemblyman Paul Krekorian won a plurality of the votes cast in the open primary for Los Angeles' 2nd Council District seat.

Krekorian was the choice of 34% of voters. Christine Essel, a former executive at Parmount Pictures, came in second, with 28% of the vote. Tamar Galatzan, a Deputy City Attorney and a member of the Los Angeles Board of Education, was third with 13%.

The Second Council District Seat became vacant when City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel was elected as L.A. City Controller. The District, in the East San Fernando Valley covers all or parts of North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland-Tujunga, Valley Glen and Valley Village. (A map of the district is available here.)

Followng is the final unofficial results of the September 22, 2009 primary election. The run-off will be held December 8:

VOTES	PERCENT
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
	TAMAR GALATZAN	1,871	12.94
	JOZEF "JOE" THOMAS ESSAVI	306	2.12
	CHRISTINE ESSEL	4,104	28.39
	MICHAEL MC CUE	339	2.35
	PETE SANCHEZ	699	4.84
	DAVID "ZUMA DOGG" SALTSBURG	410	2.84
	FRANK SHEFTEL	441	3.05
	PAUL KREKORIAN	4,929	34.10
	MARY BENSON	1,198	8.29
	AUGUSTO BISANI	158	1.09