Democrats Continue Stronghold in Borough, Township

Candace Braun
Matthew Hersh

Democrats have continued their reign in Princeton Borough and Township. The Democratic candidates on the national, state, and municipal levels pulled through victorious with Princeton voters.

In the Borough, incumbent Democratic Council members Andrew Koontz and Roger Martindell won with 2,613 and 2,512 votes respectively. Republican Evan Baehr lost the race with 1,514 votes, approximately 500 of those votes were cast by Princeton University students. Township mayoral incumbent Phyllis Marchand easily won all 14 voting districts over Republican Irene White 4,782 votes to 2,331. Democrat Lance Liverman won the seat being vacated by Committeewoman Casey Hegener with 4,738 votes over Republican challenger Paul Kapp's 2,369 votes.

On the national level, Senator John Kerry took 3,155 of the Borough votes and 5,436 of Township votes compared to President George W. Bush's 956 Borough votes and 2,085 Township votes. Democratic Congressman Rush Holt (12th District) beat out Republican Bill Spadea with 3,122 votes in the Borough and 5,768 in the Township, compared to Mr. Spadea's 828 Borough votes and 1,741 Township votes.

In both the Township and Borough, Democrats Keith Hamilton and Anthony Carabelli won handily over their Republican opponents Joseph D'Angelo and Joseph DiCara.

These election counts are unofficial. See next week's issue for the official vote counts.

"There is a wonderful economic diversity in this town and I plan to attempt to preserve that," said Mr. Koontz after winning.

Mr. Martindell said his number one priority will be to reduce the tax burden to residents, by increasing nontax revenues such as parking.

Of her winning the entire Township, Ms. Marchand said the win was "gratifying."

"We're looking to cut taxes and I think we will look at how we can develop the community in a balanced way. That includes the issue of the Medical Center and the Princeton Shopping Center."

Mr. Liverman said he was "amazed" with his sound victory as a first-time candidate and continued his campaign promise of creating improved roads and parks in the Township.