So the first-round of elections since the Democratic tsunami of 2006 have been held in nine towns and boroughs around Connecticut. Frankly, I don't plan on delving into 'who won the Warden's office' in Fenwick, Bantam, or the other non-169ers. But in those actual towns that held elections today there was at least one very interesting result...Naugatuck. Two-term Mayor Ron San Angelo decided not to run in expectation of an appointment from Governor Rell, leaving Naugatuck Republicans scrambling to find a candidate. After their initial endorsee, mayoral aide Stephanie Gunnoud bowed out after a hard-fought week on the campaign trail, Michael Bronko (husband of popular local 'Burgess' Eileen Bronko) stepped up to the plate. Tonight, you'd be hard-pressed to argue that he didn't hit a home run. The Republican won (much to the surprise of many local GOPers), mainly due to the overwhelming approval of the Renaissance Place redevelopment project referendum that San Angelo and Republicans had championed. (The only person more relieved by the win than Bronko is probably Alexius Conroy, Renaissance's developer!) No one had really given Bronko much of a chance against two-time mayoral candidate Curtis Bosco (D). Plus it looks as though perennial petitioning candidate Peter Jurzynski took more votes than last time, further splitting what would presumably be Bosco votes. All in all, a very big night for Naugy Republicans.
It seems as though Republican Bruno Simonetti, or "Landslide" as he will come to be known, has won by four whole votes in Bolton. Coming on the heels of the Simmons/Courntey recount, I'd say that they town clerk there should be rather prepared for this one.
All in all, considering that no seats actually changed partisan hands, it seems that the Democrats' invincibility from 2006 has not carried over into the early rounds of municipal jousting but I'll reserve judgment on that until that starry November night. But kudos to Naugatuck Republicans on winning a seat many thought lost.
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