MONROE, CT — State Rep. Tony Scott held a commanding lead late Tuesday night, so though all of the results were not in, the incumbent Republican declared victory on Facebook around 11:30 p.m.
In a telephone interview, Scott told The Sun it appeared too hard mathematically for his challenger, Democrat, Beth Cliff, to overcome.
“It’s not official, but with a vast majority of votes in, it looks clear I will overwhelmingly win reelection!” Scott wrote in his Facebook post. “Thanks to the folks of the 112th District!!”
Cliff did not respond to a text asking how late she could be called for comment.
Cliff won in her hometown of Easton 1,156 to 1,120 and there were still votes to counted in Trumbull late Tuesday night, but Monroe, which comprises of the majority of the district strongly backed Scott.
An unofficial tally has Scott winning around 58.5 percent of the Monroe vote and he was ahead in Trumbull before the early voting ballots, absentee ballots and Election Day registration votes were in.
Scott shared the following statement:
“I am proud of the overwhelming support I received tonight, which led to another landslide victory. The people, especially those in Monroe who know me best, have spoken, and they selected someone focused on local issues and affordability to improve their quality of life — not on national hot-button issues, as my opponent and her out-of-touch local party have done.”
“Voters unquestionably saw past the childish and desperate negative campaigning and chose the proven leader who looks out for all constituents. Over the next two years, I will focus on making changes that have a positive impact on our communities, lowering the cost of living, and fighting to maintain local control.”
Asked about the “negative campaigning” Scott shared a mailer Cliff sent criticizing Scott’s votes against “Paid Family Leave and Paid Sick Days”, “Addressing Gun Violence” and “Reproductive Freedom”.
The postcard said: “Tony Scott can’t hide behind his votes” and the art showed him peeking out from behind three signs.
“The mailer was disrespectful in my opinion,” Scott said. “It’s me hiding behind a sign like a peeping Tom. My votes are public for anyone to see.”
Scott said he would explain his votes to anyone who asks.
Earlier in the day, outside the polls at Masuk High School, Cliff said, “I feel very good about how we conducted ourselves. At the end of the day, the voters speak. That’s democracy at work.”
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