LOS ANGELES (AP) — The two leading candidates in the contest to replace Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have jumped ahead of the field in early vote returns.
A partial tally of mail-in ballots released by the city clerk Tuesday showed Democrats Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel opening ground over other rivals.
It's likely the primary will lead to a two-person runoff on May 21, since it's unlikely any candidate will clear the majority needed to win outright Tuesday.
Turnout was light after a campaign that lacked sizzle. No issue or candidate galvanized the electorate in the nation's second-largest city.
The next mayor will face a host of problems, from a looming budget deficit to soaring costs for worker pensions and health care.
