Election Results Seen as Barometer for 2012

In Milford, a Democrat took city hall for the first time in 22 years. In East Haven, a Republican eked out the incumbent by 31 votes. Victories from all over the state were claimed on Nov. 8, and both political parties are auguring their fortunes from the results.

“These [elections] that happen locally are often indicative of larger trends,” said Eric Hyers, executive director of the Democratic Party of Connecticut. “I think you can view [the results for Democrats] in great confidence moving into a presidential year. We’re very excited about some of the towns we were able to win.”

As expected, Democrats won mayoral elections in the biggest cities, but also claimed spots in cities like New Britain and Middletown. Hyers said the party’s hold on the 20 biggest municipalities is now 70 percent. They also won some of the small towns that have traditionally leaned Republican.

“It would be one thing if Democrats just won Hartford and Bridgeport and called it a day,” Hyers said. “Democrats beat Republicans on their turf.”

Republicans, however, also saw some wins. For the first time in more than a decade, Republicans took a majority on a couple municipal boards in Westport. Stratford Republicans strengthened their hold. Mayor Mark Boughton, of Danbury, won re-election for the state’s seventh-largest city.

Jerry Labriola, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, did not return a phone call seeking comment, but did tell the Associated Press that the results bode well for Republicans in the state and national elections coming next year.

 "I believe right now, everything in Connecticut is in play, from president all the way down to state representative and we are absolutely well-positioned to turn things around here in Connecticut," Labriola told the Associated Press.