By LEE J. KAHRS
RUTLAND COUNTY — The Republican Party kept a Republican seat warm in the Rutland County Senate seat race with the election of Josh Terenzini.
The first-time candidate for statewide office beat out five other challengers for the third of three state senate seats up for re-election.
Incumbents Cheryl Hooker, a Democrat and Brian Collamore, a Republican, won re-election to two of those seats. Terenzini, the son of Republican Rep. Tom Terenzini of Rutland Town, had name recognition on his side, but he also mounted a solid campaign. Terenzini, Collamore and runner-up Terry Williams, ran as a trio for the three senate seats, hoping for a Republican sweep, but it was not meant to be.
Terenzini said Wednesday that he was ready to go to work.
“I’m thrilled and excited and appreciative,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to work. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the folks in Brandon, Pittsford, Proctor and West Rutland.”
He also congratulated Hooker on her re-election.
“I look forward to working with her,” he said. “We will find a lot of common ground to improve life in Rutland County.”
Collomore finished at the top of the 10-candidate race, with 14,486 votes county-wide
Terenzini, finished second with 13,663 votes. Hooker earned 12,877 votes for the third slot.
The other candidates were Terry K. Williams (R) of Poultney, 11,602; Greg Cox (D) of West Rutland, 10,261; Larry Courcelle (D) of Mendon, 8,320; Brittany D. Cavacas (I) of Rutland City, 4,724; Michael Shank (I) of Brandon, 2,263; Casey Jennings (I), 1,006; and Richard Lenchus (I), 551 votes.
Shank issued a detailed response to his defeat, saying he learned so much.
“Running for office in Vermont – when you’re a newcomer and not affiliated with a political party – is one such challenge,” Shank said. “It’s a big one, in fact. How do I paint a picture of what’s possible in such a way that any multi-generational Vermont voter – Republican, Democratic, Progressive, Independent or other – can identify with that vision and get behind it? That was my challenge over the past two months of my campaign.”
He added that, as an Independent, he is interested in talking to other Independents interested in running for office.
“I’m already looking for newcomers and new independent candidates with new solutions and new ideas,” he said. “If you’re interested in running for office, I hope you reach out. Independent thought and candidacy need as much support as they can get. And I’m here to help you do that. Let’s build that stronger, more diverse democracy. We need it now more than ever.”
It was the crowded field that made Collamore leery of making any predictions or having very high expectations.
“Part of the reason was there were so many people running in the race, it was hard to know,” he said. “With three Independents in there, I didn’t know how it would go.”
Overall, however, Collamore said he was happy with the results and the turnout.
“Obviously, I’m very pleased and humbled,” he said. “I want to thank the people for taking the time and coming out to vote. It’s very humbling.”
Collamore did say he felt badly for Williams for not winning the third seat.
“He ran a very, very hard race,” Collamore said. “We went out as a team and it was very rewarding.”
That said, Collamore congratulated Hooker on her win.
“She’s very strong and well liked,” he said. “I look forward to working with both Josh and Cheryl to continue working hard for Rutland County.”
Hooker said she shared Collamore’s opinion and said that her expectations of the race results were also wide open.
“I really didn’t know what to expect with such a crowded field,” she said. “I’m very pleased with the outcome. Josh put a lot into his campaign and he deserves a seat.”
Hooker added that she believes the three county senators can work together for the great Rutland County good.”
“I think when it comes right down to it, Josh wants what’s best for Rutland County. I know we’ll disagree on policy, but jobs, broadband, and housing — these are the important issues regardless of party.”
Hooker added that healthcare for all is also an important issue to her, especially for older folks.
“I know Brian and I work together on the things we agree on for Rutland County and I will work hard to bring what’s necessary and needed so we can make it a better place to live.”
