26th District: Toni Boucher vs. Carolanne Curry

Update, Nov. 7 — 12:13 a.m.

The Boucher camp has issued a statement after what appears like a victory.

State Senator Toni Boucher said the 26th District's "vote of confidence is gratifying."

"I never forget that they are providing me with a rare opportunity to represent their interests in bringing their voice to Hartford," she said.

Boucher also thanked her Democratic challenger, Carolanne Curry.

"Challenging different beliefs is an important part of this debate on how to best serve the people of our great state," she said. "The people's position on important policies of the state must always be heard and it is a sacred trust that I take very seriously."

The rest of Boucher's statement is as follows:

Connecticut was once the envy of all for its top in the nation educational system, innovative commercial enterprises and products, low taxes and no state income tax that attracted jobs and people from around the country, with its beautiful colonial character and breathtaking landscapes.

Now, historically high taxes, unsustainable spending, an anti-business culture and high unemployment have reversed these positive trends. In addition, Connecticut has the widest educational achievement gap in the country. Jobs go unfilled due to the lack of a technically skilled work force and college tuition costs are some of highest in the country.

Too of many of our friends and neighbors are now forced to make the difficult decision to leave. The next session will be a difficult one.  Many tough decisions will need to be made to revitalize our state’s economy. We did it before and I am confident that if bi-partisan efforts are embraced we can do it again.

Update, 11:48 p.m.

State Senator Toni Boucher said that her camp reports an 8,100 vote differential at this hour, though the results are unofficial.

"It looks pretty good," she said. 

Update, 11:43 p.m.

With 56 percent of the vote in, News 12 has projected that state Senator Toni Boucher (R), will head back to Hartford for her third term representing the 26th District. News 12 reports the following:

• Toni Boucher (R) — 13,890 votes
• Carolanne Curry (D) — 10,296 votes 

Update, 9:53 p.m.

The results from Redding are in, and state Senator Toni Boucher edged Democratic challenger Carolanne Curry by 553 votes, according to the registrar's office. 

(*indicates incumbent)

Update, 11:38 a.m.

Patch spoke with both Carolanne Curry and state Senator Toni Boucher about their thoughts heading into Election Day.

"I have been most fortunate to speak to the issues that have meaning for this district and I have been even more fortunate to meet individuals who value this opportunity for a conversation instead of confrontation," Curry said. "In other words, I feel great."

Boucher said she hopes to see a change across the country. 

"I am filled with hope that we will move our state and country in a more positive direction," she said. "We need leaders that will bring us together."

Original article:

Today, Democrat Carolanne Curry, a 72-year-old Westport resident, is looking to unseat state Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican who's represented Connecticut's 26th Senate District since 2008.

The district includes Weston, Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Ridgefield, New Canaan and Westport.

Boucher, who lives in Wilton, believes that Connecticut needs to lower its taxes and rein in spending. She's also been an outspoken opponent of Connecticut's decriminalization of marijuana and legalization of medical marijuana. Over the summer, Boucher received a perfect score when graded by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her environmental record during the 2012 legislative session.

Boucher was a State Representative for Connecticut's 143rd District, representing parts of Wilton and Norwalk, from 1997 until her election to the state Senate in 2008.

For Curry, who serves as an alternate for Westport's Planning and Zoning Commission, education reform is extremely important. Curry likes talking about issues and not conflicts, because that way, she says, more can get accomplished. 

Curry has lived in Westport since 1987 with her partner, who owns a vegetarian restaurant in Bridgeport. She is known for her support of women's LGBT rights as well.