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Weston Voters Tend To Split Tickets in Recent Years

WESTON, Conn. -- Weston’s traditional favoring of Republican candidates has changed recently, with Democrats winning a number of races.

Weston voters have been splitting their votes, electing Democrats for federal offices, while sticking with Republicans for state seats.

Weston voters have been splitting their votes, electing Democrats for federal offices, while sticking with Republicans for state seats.

Photo Credit: Ken Liebeskind

In 2008, Weston favored Barack Obama by a 3,571 to 2,143 margin versus John McCain, which was only the second time the town voted for a Democratic candidate, according to Weston registrar of voters Laura Smits. It also favored John Kerry in 2004.

Linda McMahon, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, opposed Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and received 2,054 votes to 3,011 for Blumenthal.

Democrat U.S. Rep. Jim Himes also was favored by Westonites in his race against Dan Debicella in 2010. He received 2,209 votes to 1,991 for Debicella.

Republican state Senate and state Representative candidates have prevailed in Weston. Tony Boucher defeated John Hartwell for state Senate in 2010, 353-280 and John McKinney defeated Mitchell Fuchs 2,018 to 1,454. State Rep. John Shaban defeated Carl Bernstein 2,097 to 1,981.

Bill Moeder, a Weston High School AP government and history teacher, attributes the Weston swing to changing demographics, which has brought more liberal voters to town. He also said, “The economy is an important factor and people vote with their pocketbooks.”

“Connecticut’s a blue state but Weston has historically favored Republicans locally,” Smits said. “We usually favor moderate Republicans.”

On Nov. 6, Weston will cast votes for both federal and state representatives. Smits wouldn't predict victors.

The recent Weston voter registration numbers show 2,266 Democrats, 1,981 Republicans, 2,419 unaffiliated voters and 28 others.

Almost 92 percent of Weston voters went to the polls during the last presidential race, earning the town an award from the Secretary of State, Smits said. 

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