SAN FRANCISCO -- Californians used the lever of direct democracy to approve billions of dollars for stem cell research, children's hospitals and the mentally ill, but rejected efforts to expand casino gambling, rewrite the state's three-strikes sentencing law and require employers to offer health insurance.

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Video On Demand: Gov. Schwarzenegger Talks About Tuesday's Election Results

The 16 ballot measures Tuesday led to a spending record -- exceeding $200 million -- and reinforced Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's popularity. He got his way on most of the propositions he backed.

"Today the voice of the people was loud and clear," Schwarzenegger said. "The people said no to the job killers and yes to a booming economy. The people said no to the budget busters and yes to fiscal responsibility."

Schwarzenegger broke Republican Party ranks to support the Proposition 71 stem cell measure in what became a battle of Hollywood headliners. The actor-turned-governor teamed with late "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve and "Family Ties" actor Michael J. Fox to promote research supporters say will jump-start biotechnology and lead to breakthroughs for medical cures.

Actor Mel Gibson fought the measure on moral grounds because the research will destroy human embryos.

The $3 billion bond measure that will cost another $3 billion in interest over 30 years was approved by 59 percent of voters with 99 percent of precincts reporting Wednesday morning.

Schwarzenegger spent an unprecedented amount of money and political capital successfully battling two casino expansion efforts that would have undercut profit-sharing pacts he negotiated with some Indian tribes.

Proposition 68, which could have ended Indians tribes' monopoly on gambling by allowing slot machines at card rooms and race tracks, was rejected by 84 percent of voters with 99 percent of precincts reporting. Proposition 70 would have taxed Indian casinos but would have allowed them to operate more slot machines. It had only 24 percent support with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

Schwarzenegger teamed with four former governors to defeat Proposition 66, which would have weakened California's three-strikes law by allowing 25 years-to-life sentences only if third-time felons were convicted of a serious or violent crime instead of the sometimes minor offenses permitted under current law.

Polling leading up to last weekend showed strong support for changing the law, but Schwarzenegger's opposition and millions of dollars spent in ads against it led to a turnaround, with it failing 53 percent to 47 percent.

Schwarzenegger and businesses successfully aligned to fight Proposition 72, which would have required businesses to provide health care coverage for about 1 million employees. It lost 49 percent to 51 percent with most votes counted.

Voters split with the governor on two other health-related measures, passing Proposition 63 that will tax millionaires 1 percent to support mental health programs. It had 53 percent support with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

They also supported Proposition 61, authorizing $750 million in bonds to construct, renovate and furnish children's hospitals. The measure would cost the state about $1.5 billion if repaid with interest over 30 years. It had 58 percent support.

Voters sided with business groups to approve Proposition 64, limiting a 71-year-old law that allows lawsuits over practices that defraud consumers or give businesses unfair advantage over competitors.

Proponents, including Schwarzenegger, said attorneys abused the law to shake down small companies over minor issues. Opponents said the law has prevented misleading advertising, stopped mislabeling of meat and punished polluters. It led 59 percent to 41 percent.

Voters approved Proposition 69, supported by Schwarzenegger, that will greatly expand the state's DNA database by collecting genetic samples from anyone arrested for a felony, regardless of whether they are convicted. The measure had support from 62 percent of voters.

Californians rejected experimenting with nonpartisan elections. They chose Proposition 60, with 67 percent voting to retain the current two-party system over Proposition 62, which would have let voters select primary election candidates regardless of party and send the top two to a runoff. Proposition 62 had only 46 percent support.

They also rejected Proposition 67, which would have directed revenues from a 3 percent surcharge on telephone calls to hospitals and doctors to pay for emergency and trauma care for the uninsured. The measure had only 28 percent support in partial returns.

Measures with little opposition easily passed:

--Proposition 60A had 73 percent support. It requires that proceeds from the sale of surplus state property pay off deficit bonds approved by voters in March.

--Proposition 59, with 83 percent voting in favor, requires that meetings of government bodies and writings of public officials and agencies be open to public scrutiny.

--Proposition 1A, with 83 percent support, would prohibit the Legislature from shifting local property tax revenues to other purposes except in an emergency. Voters rejected a competing measure, Proposition 65, with 62 percent voting against it.