The biggest story of the year in state politics was simply this: Voters voted.
Turnout soared to its highest level in history for a midterm election, not only statewide — 64.5 percent of those registered — but also in Santa Barbara County — 72.5 percent. It powered the massive Blue Wave by which Democrats snatched seven House seats from Republicans and captured every statewide office and huge legislative majorities.
Some big winners and losers.