CHESHIRE — Tuesday's election may have brought the small town of Cheshire some big political clout in Washington.
Senator-elect Christopher Murphy and 5th District Congresswoman-elect Elizabeth Esty both call the town home.
A town with a population of 29,261, according to the latest census, Cheshire is a relatively small town known more for its bedding-plant farms than its political muscle.
For many in town, the fact that Murphy and Esty, both Democrats, are their neighbors, is duly noted, but not overwhelming. Though the two, as federal lawmakers, are not likely to have a direct impact on Cheshire, some in town are pleased with the fact that two such high-level politicians live among them.
"It's quite a feather in our cap," said Cheshire Democratic Town Committee Chairman Ernest DiPietro.
DiPietro said that, given Cheshire's small size, it's "quite a tribute to our town."
DiPietro points out to another powerful duo — 3rd District Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, both from New Haven. With a population of 129,779, New Haven is the state's second largest city, with a population four times that of Cheshire's.
Several town residents eating lunch at Main Street Caffe on Thursday had to think about how Murphy and Esty living in town might have an effect.
Arlette Nichaise, who voted for both, said she lived near Murphy several years ago and ran into him often. Esty, she said, she sees at the gym. She said she didn't think the fact that the two live in town would have an effect on Cheshire, but she hopes they'll have an impact on the state.
"Hopefully, they will do a good job getting jobs in Connecticut," Nichaise said.
But if election results are any indication, Cheshire voters are not overly impressed with a candidate's address. The town has more registered Democrats — 4,896 — than Republicans — 4,565 — but Republicans control both the Town Council and the Board of Education.
And on Tuesday, Esty and Murphy got different results here.
Esty won Cheshire with 7,527 votes to opponent Andrew Roraback's 6,686. Murphy lost, with 7,040 votes to Republican Linda McMahon's 7,234.
DiPietro said Esty is better known locally than Murphy, having served on the Town Council and as an active member in local parent teacher associations. Esty's three children went to Cheshire public schools.
Murphy has lived in town for less than 10 years, much of that as the congressman in the district Esty will be representing, and has had less opportunity to spend time locally.
Town resident David Modine said he voted for McMahon and Roraback on Tuesday. Asked what he thought of a senator and congresswoman living in town, he was candid.
"It wouldn't have been my preference," said Modine.
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