About This Section

This section offers a guide to the major candidates in contested races in Tuesday’s statewide primary election, along with a look at ballot propositions.

Voters face a lengthy ballot in California’s first blanket primary. There are dozens of candidates for statewide posts, including governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor, treasurer and others. There are 52 seats in the House of Representatives and one U.S. Senate spot up for grabs this year.

Voters will also select nominees in races for 20 state Senate seats and all 80 seats in the Assembly. In addition, there are some local government contests.

Californians will weigh nine ballot initiatives that address issues such as bilingual education, the political clout of labor unions, competitive bidding in state contracts and school district spending on administrative operations.

Inside: * U.S. Senate: Sen. Barbara Boxer, the incumbent Democrat, is largely unchallenged for renomination, while state Treasurer Matt Fong and businessman Darrell Issa battle for the Republican nod. B2

* Statewide offices: Several major statewide positions, among them attorney general and lieutenant governor, are on the ballot. B3

* Congress: With two incumbents stepping down and one dogged by legal problems, three tough primary battles have broken out in Los Angeles County. B4

* State Senate: The departures of two longtime legislators--Herschel Rosenthal and Diane Watson--have set off heated battles for the Democratic nomination in those districts. B4

* State Assembly: The major political parties are closely watching the battles for half a dozen seats. All are in suburban areas that can no longer be counted as sure bets by either party. B4

L.A. County: Two county supervisors and the county assessor are running for reelection, but only one race is seriously in doubt--that of sheriff. The incumbent, Sherman Block, faces three opponents in his quest for a fifth term. B4