Key races.

Race: 54th Assembly District (Long Beach)

Candidates: Termed-out Democratic state Sen. Betty Karnette is running against Republican and former Rep. Steve Kuykendall.

Comments: Regarded as closest legislative race in the state, despite 8-point Democrat registration edge. The two faced off 10 years ago for the same Assembly seat; Kuykendall won that contest. Schwarzenegger held rally in district.

Race: 53rd Assembly District (South Bay/Marina del Rey)

Candidates: Redondo Beach Mayor Greg Hill, a Republican, is facing Democrat and former El Segundo Mayor Mike Gordon.

Comments: Gordon is better-known for his staunch opposition to expansion of Los Angeles International Airport. He has also raised $1 million, compared with $250,000 raised by Hill.

Race: 44th Assembly District (Pasadena)

Candidates: Republican community activist Lynn Gabriel is challenging incumbent Democrat Carol Liu.

Comments: Despite 12-point Democratic registration edge, Republicans believe they have a shot against low-profile Liu. Gabriel is backed by husband John LaBarbera, founder of the popular Closet Factory franchise chain.

Race: 61st Assembly District (Pomona/Ontario)

Candidates: Incumbent Democrat Gloria Negrette McLeod is being challenged by Republican Ontario City Councilman Alan Wapner.

Comments: Significant Democratic registration edge, but McLeod only received 2,000 votes more than her Republican opponents in March and Schwarzenegger held a rally in the district.

Race: Santa Monica City Council

Candidates: Four seats are up for grabs for the top four vote-getters in a crowded field. All four incumbents--Mayor Richard Bloom and councilmen Ken Genser, Mike Feinstein and Herb Katz--are running, but so is Kennedy family member Bobby Shriver, who could displace one of them.

Comments: At stake is whether the city's renters' group can retain control of the council.