In what proved to be a closer race than many expected, Former Manchester Mayor Ray Wieczorek is the new District 4 Executive Councilor. NHPR?s Dan Gorenstein reports.
In what proved to be a closer race than many expected, Former Manchester Mayor Ray Wieczorek is the new District 4 Executive Councilor. NHPR?s Dan Gorenstein reports.
Track 22
1:15 Councilor?applause?
Before state Senator Ted Gatsis introduced Republican Ray ?the Wiz? Wieczorek as the newest New Hampshire executive councilor, some appeared mildly nervous at the Wieczorek election-night headquarters. The reason: John Kacavas took Manchester, the district?s largest municipality by more than 500 votes. In a city where Wieczorek was mayor for ten years.
But then came Bedford. A town considered to be a Republican stronghold. An estimated 80% of the voters turned out due in part to a controversial a vote on an education measure. That?s where Wieczorek garnered 2000 votes more than his Democratic rival.
And while Kacavas took the city, Wieczorek received 57% of the town vote. Unofficial overall numbers have Democratic candidate John Kacavas gaining 45% of the vote, and the first-term state representative says that only bodes well for November.
Don?t just go by the numbers. They didn?t turn out in our favor this time, but this was a winning campaign. And it wasn?t one b/c we put a scare into somebody, but this is a winning campaign b/c I made many new friends for the rest of my life.
At least one political observer agreed, saying that a strong Democratic showing in this special election could be seen by the party as win of sorts. At least, a positive sign for the upcoming Congressional and Gubernatorial races.
The Republicans politely disagree. In his acceptance speech, that was delayed while waiting for his sons to arrive, Former Republican mayor Weiczorek says his win will only help his party come November.
3:48 this was a race the D. were really looking at. How they could focus national attention on this race is beyond me, but all those move really demonstrate how important this was to the Democrats. And we want ot make sure that when the fall comes, they are not going to get a running start. They are going to have to regroup and start all over again.
Wieczorek joins four other Republican Executive Councilors. They meet bi-weekly with the Governor. For NHPR News, I?m DG
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