Lieutenant Governor's GOP Primary Still Too Close to Call

Connecticut Republicans have chosen Tom Foley as the candidate who will face Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in the November election, but a three-way Republican primary for Connecticut lieutenant governor is too close to call a winner.

Unofficial results show Groton Town Council member Heather Somers with a slight lead over state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi with 27,178 votes over Bacchiochi's 26,462, a 716-vote difference. Former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker trails them with 25,162, a 1,300-vote difference from Bacchiochi.

Meanwhile, John McKinney conceded the GOP primary for governor to Tom Foley, who won the race with 44,464 votes to McKinney's 35,563, giving him the nod to take on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy (D) in the November gubernatorial election, according to the unofficial results.

Bacchiochi received the endorsement of the state Republicans at their convention in May. She has weathered criticism from Somers, who has taken issue with her support for the medical use of marijuana among other issues.

The office of the secretary of the state says an automatic recount is ordered if the vote-getters are within 1,000 votes or a half-percentage point of all votes cast.

The Secretary of State's Office is still waiting for 15 towns and cities to report totals for the lieutenant governor's race and hopes to receive the results Wednesday, according to Av Harris, director of communications for the Secretary of State's office.

"We will make a determination as soon as possible," Harris said.

In Connecticut, if the vote count margin is within 1,000 votes or 0.5 percent of total votes, then a statewide recount is mandatory for that race, according to Harris.

"It is a machine recount that must be completed within 7 days of the election and is carried out at the local level," Harris said.

Click here to view the rest of the unofficial primary results.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us