UPDATE: Nitzy Cohen Wins State Rep Race

Nitzy Cohen, the winner of the Republican primary for the 136th General Assembly District, stood in front of Republicans, reporters and pizza Tuesday night at Arcudi's Restaurant as she looked toward the November election.

"We have 28 percent Republicans in Westport. A very vocal 28 percent," she said at the restaurant, which served as the Republican headquarters for the night. "We have a lot of independents who are unhappy."

Cohen defeated Stephen Rubin, the party's endorsed candidate, and will now face Democrat Jonathan Steinberg, a long-time member of the Representative Town Meeting.

"We're both reform-minded and want to streamline government," Steinberg said in a phone interview Tuesday night. "I think I have much more of a proven track record." Steinberg cited his legislative experience on the RTM and working with others.

Official results, including absentee ballots, have confirmed Cohen earned 830 votes while Rubin earned 581 votes, a difference of 249 votes.

"Looking at these numbers, I am overwhelmed. I'm humbled. This is a real responsibility," Cohen said.

While Cohen was waiting for the results to trickle in at her home Tuesday evening, Rubin was waiting outside Long Lots Elementary School for the results of his district to come in.  Once the preliminary results came in, Rubin conceded at Arcudi's and left before Cohen arrived. He said he would continue to support the "Republican cause."

"I do not think Nitzy has a chance in hell to beat Jonathan Steinberg," he said. "That's not sour grapes."

Cohen, a businesswoman who ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2008, said she doesn't begrudge Rubin for what he said because she had been in the same situation he is in.

"That's fine," she said. "Steve is in the shock of the moment. I understand."

Bob Zappi, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, thanked Rubin for running his campaign. He added that the RTC will support Cohen's campaign and that he believes Cohen has a strong chance of winning.

"I think Westporters are paying attention to the runaway spending in Hartford and I think that will be the key issue in this year's election," Zappi said.

With less than three months until the election, Republicans that turned out for the night were gearing up for the main event. According to the Registrar of Voters office, voter turnout was about 29 percent with 32 percent of registered Republicans voting and 26.5 percent of registered Democrats voting. 

"I think it's going to be a very busy fall because we have to kiss and make up after the primary," said Jo Fuchs Luscombe, a former state representative.