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John Bech is worried about deficit spending in the federal and state governments, which is why he was one of 631 New Canaan residents who voted in the primary election before 11 a.m. today. Bech, a Democrat, also has concerns about how much aid the state government will provide to New Canaan. "At this point, I am hoping to keep the same amount of assistance that we've had in years past," he said, knowing that there's probably no chance of getting additional funds.
Bech and other voters commented on the contentious nature of Tuesday's primaries for both parties. The Republican moderator Jim Walsh said that, so far, the turnout is light,. The voters who are coming out seem concerned about the economy and issues such as the environment, health care and education. Voters are deciding on nominees for various posts, including U.S. Senate (Republicans), governor (both parties), 4th Congressional District (Republicans), and attorney general (Republicans).
"All of these issues are so overpowering that I don't believe any one person has the answer," said Jim Cole, a Republican who serves on the town's Republican Committee. "I really had to rely on the individual character of the candidates."
Republican Bill Walbert said he believed this primary election is as important as any he has seen in the 25 years he's lived in Connecticut. "I'm looking for someone who has the guts to limit the cost of government. It's a difficult job to do ... I hope that whoever we elect can do it," he says.
The Republican race for probate judge may also be drawing voters to the polls. As of 11 a.m. today, 453 Republicans had voted compared to 178 Democrats. Tom Osterndorf, brother of probate judge candidate Bill Osterndorf, is standing outside Saxe Middle School today answering voters' questions about his brother's campaign and encouraging them to vote for him. "It's going to be a close race," Tom said. "It all depends on who gets people out to vote."
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