Winning a third-term after a contentious campaign against a political newcomer, Second District Republican incumbent Dan Carter said he is “very honored that the people of my district support me, and with a larger margin than they have in the past.”
His one regret was that this campaign proved so negative, with his Democratic opponent Candace Fay of Danbury skewering him on votes and lack of constituent service that he felt was unfair, and at times even mean-spirited. He noted he was particularly proud that the people of Newtown backed his candidacy despite the fact he was challenged by Fay for being the only legislator covering Newtown who opposed the gun control legislation bill.
“I’m really happy that the people of this district, especially Newtown, have stood behind him, and will let me serve them a little longer,” Carter said. “I’m very happy with my strong effort to be a positive campaigner really paid off.”
Conceding her defeat based on unofficial vote tallies against Republican incumbent Dan Carter in the Second District House race, Democrat Candace Fay of Danbury said she accepts that the “people have spoken,” even those in Newtown who cast their ballots despite Carter’s vote against issues Fay thought were close to their hearts, particularly the gun control bill.
“What can I say? The people have spoken. I think they’ve made a mistake,” Fay said.
Fay, a lawyer, said she does not intend to congratulate Carter because she was “berated and verbally abused” by Carter supporters in Bethel today, and “he just stood by and watched.”
Carter said that was untrue. The worst thing he said he ever said about Fay was that she was a “rubber stamp for the majority agenda.”
He said he was aware that she suffered some backlash from those who disagreed with her negative campaign, but said he did not participate.
“I’ve done nothing but serve my community,” Carter said. “I’ve been an honest and upright guy, and many of the things she said about me were patently false.”
With the election results clear, Carter said he is doing the one positive thing Fay suggested about him: enjoying a beer with friends.
