Iino Defeats Hollander 242-24; Republicans Take 9 of 10 Races in Killingworth Primary

Killingworth First Selectman Cathy Iino admitted to being nervous all day Tuesday.

But as primary results were read Tuesday night at Killingworth Elementary School, Iino exhaled after hearing she'd beaten Better Choice candidate Steve Hollander soundly, 242 to 24.

"I'm pleased because we worked really hard," Iino said, quickly shifting the focus to the town's other Democratic candidates.

"We've got a great slate. It's a rational, intelligent, hard-working group of people, and we're going to try to get the word out about all of them."

Republicans meanwhile took 9 of 10 races against Better Choice opponents. 

David Miller, a Republican running as a member of the de facto third party, defeated Republican Jerry Baron in the primary for tax collector by seven votes, 154 to 147.

The small margin triggered an automatic recount, leaving Miller to wait for an official tally before celebrating victory (the recount will be completed later this week according to voting officials).

Despite their inability to win Tuesday's primary, all 11 Better Choice candidates will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot, a result of the candidates having filed nomination petitions.

"I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am," Better Choice Party Chairman Gerald "Jerry" Lucas said. "We started at zero. We're going full speed ahead to the general election. I think we're in great shape."

In total, 575 voters showed up to the polls Tuesday, about 25 percent of eligible voters in Killingworth. 267 were Democrats, 309 were Republicans.

For complete race results, click here.