Republicans Witkos and Ohler won crossover vote in local contests

By Wiley Wood

Voter turnout in Norfolk was high, with 86 percent of the town’s electorate casting a ballot in the election.

The presidential vote went to Clinton (547 to 373), but in two local races, a majority of Norfolk residents voted for the Republican candidates: Kevin Witkos, the Republican incumbent in the 8^th Senate District, who won (492 to 446) against David Pena; and Brian Ohler of North Canaan, who won (481 to 473) in the 64^th House District, narrowly defeating Norfolk native William Riiska (D). Witkos and Ohler went on to win their races, with Ohler claiming the seat vacated by Democrat Roberta Willis.

In the U. S. Senate race, Norfolk voters chose the incumbent Democrat, Richard Blumenthal (592 to 350). And in the contest for the 5^th Congressional District, Norfolk chose U. S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (604 to 354). Both easily won their contests statewide and will return to Washington.

The number of registered voters in Norfolk climbed during the day, as 29 residents applied for same-day registration, some as late as 6:30 p.m., according to one poll worker. The total number of voters in Norfolk is 1,140, of whom 1,005 cast votes in this election.

Democrats account for 38 percent of registered voters in Norfolk, and Republicans for 20 percent. The remaining 42 percent of voters are unaffiliated or belong to another party.

The towns of Colebrook and Goshen both turned out strongly in favor of Donald Trump, as did Torrington and Winsted. Only Canaan and North Canaan, of the towns bordering Norfolk, gave the edge to Clinton.