Republican Andy Vidak defeated Democrat Leticia Perez in a special election held in California’s 16th State Senate District. Vikak won seat outright by a decisive ten-point margin with 52 percent of the vote to Perez’ 42 percent. The election was held to fill the seat held by Democrat Michael Rubio, who recently resigned for a job in the private sector. The term runs until the next general election in 2014, but Vidak’s decisive victory could have implications for the political future of the southern San Joaquin Valley. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.