Even as Republicans took control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Connecticut”™s elections remained in disarray the morning of Nov. 3, as officials sorted through the ramifications of several Bridgeport polling stations running out of ballots and a judge”™s decision to extend voting hours there.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz acknowledged the possibility of extensive delays in certifying the results of major state races due to the need to hand-count ballots hastily printed on copiers, and due to possible legal challenges as a result of the irregular process. According to the Hartford Courant, the state Republican Party plans to challenge any ballots submitted after 8 p.m. when polls closed elsewhere in the state.
As of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, Tom Foley held a slim lead over Dan Malloy for the open seat of Connecticut governor, with 90 percent of the vote tallied statewide according to both the Courant and News 12 Connecticut.
Democrat Richard Blumenthal beat out Republican Linda McMahon for the U.S. Senate seat of Chris Dodd, with Democrats retaining control of the U.S. Senate.
Connecticut is again sending an all-Democrat delegation to the now Republican-held Congress after incumbent Jim Himes defeated Republican challenger Dan Debicella in the Fourth Congressional District of lower Fairfield County, while Chris Murphy won out over Sam Caligiuri in the Fifth Congressional District that includes portions of the Danbury area. In the Third Congressional District that includes parts of the Bridgeport area, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro won in a landslide over Republican Jerry Labriola Jr.
John Larson and Joe Courtney also return to the House, representing the Hartford and New London areas respectively.
Democrats swept the races for Connecticut”™s four other major elective offices, with George Jepsen besting Martha Dean for attorney general; Denise Merrill defeating Jerry Farrell Jr. for secretary of state; Denise Nappier outpolling Jeff Wright for treasurer; and Kevin Lembo overcoming Jack Orchulli for comptroller.
