Rob Does the Job for New Canaan Republicans [Update Video]

The wait for the of the Republican caucus seemed longer than the campaign itself. After the polls closed at 8:30 on Tuesday night at Saxe Middle School, the candidates, their families and supporters, anxiously awaited the final tally. 

At 12:16 a.m. on Wednesday, moderator Dennis Taylor made the announcement most had come for. 

"In the race for First Selectman, Giusti 907 votes, Mallozzi 1,313." 

And with that, the hotly-contested race for the Republican nomination for First Selectman was over. 

"I'm extremely happy with the outcome," Mallozzi said. "I've been around this town for a long time, people know me, I didn't have to advertise myself. I've been Selectman for the last four years. People knew my management style and I really appreciate that they voted for me." 

Mallozzi beat Giusti by a strong margin of 406 votes. It marked the second time in four years that the owner of has won a campaign against Giusti. In 2007, Mallozi earned the Selectman's position over Giusti. 

"It's unfortunate that in campaigns, there has to be a winner and a loser," Giusti said. "I thought I ran a good, honest campaign that really focused on the issues. I want to congratulate Rob and thank my supporters who worked incredibly hard." 

The battle for the Republican nomination for Selectman was not much of a contest. Nick Williams, chairman of the Board of Education, came through with a big win over John Engel 1,324 to 755. 

"As my wife said, 'it's Christmas in July,' Williams said. "I am truly humbled that the voters voted me in. This is a terrific town, one of the best in the country. John [Engel] ran a great campaign. It was a tough race and I'm thankful that I won." 

Locking down the four spots for Town Council were candidates who New Canaan is quite familiar with. Stephen Karl (1,538), Tucker Murphy (1,439) and Kenneth Campbell (1,005) all earned the right to be on the November ballot as endorsed Republican candidates.

E. Roger Williams (1,006) also won the right to be on the ballot as a party-endorsed candidate.

"I'm very thankful," Williams, who is currently the New Canaan Fire Commissioner, said. "I'm honored to represent this party. This campaign brought out a lot of issues that need to be addressed."

There will be no change at the position of Town Clerk. Claudia Weber, who has held the job since 1998, edged Jennifer Purdy in a tight race 1,120-947. 

As history shows, whoever wins this caucus, usually wins the general election in the fall, which will be held on November 8.

(Editor's Note: This article has been changed from the original version to reflect the fact that candidates for the Town Council did not win seats on the council, but rather won the right to be on the November ballot as Republican party-endorsed candidates. Patch thanks reader David Kostek for bringing this to our attention.)

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