California’s Feinstein trounces rivals in US Senate primary

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has sailed smoothly to victory in California’s primary.

Meanwhile, a fellow Democrat arguing for generational change is struggling to secure the second slot.

California sends the two highest vote-getters to the November general election regardless of party. With nearly 3 million votes counted late Tuesday, Feinstein held a strong lead with 44 per cent.

Democratic state Sen. Kevin de Leon was running in second place at nearly 11 per cent. That’s just ahead of little-known Republican James Bradley.

Feinstein is seeking her fifth-full term in Washington. She says in a victory statement she’s running to “protect California” in “difficult and contentious times.”