Massachusetts Goes for Markey: Norton Favors Gomez

Norton voters went for Gabriel Gomez in Tuesday's Special United State Sentate election over the winner, Ed Markey.

A Republican, Gomez got 1,534 voties to Markey, a Democrat, who had 1,069. Richard Heos received five votes. There were three write-in votes and two blank ballots.

All totalled, there were 2,611 out of the 11,608 registered voters, who cast their voters or 21.11-percent.

Those voting felt it was their responsibility to go to the polls at Norton High.

"It's my civil obligation," said Helen Berry, 65, who voted for Markey. "I believe in the same things he believes in."

Across the state, low voter turnout was predicted

"It's always important to come out ant  vote and every vote counts, especially in a low turnout vote," said Tom Kalnicki, 46, an Independent, who typically leans Republican, voted for Gomez.

Those voting for Markey sided with him on the issues important to them

"I don't know enough about Gomez," said Bob Arena, 51, Tuesday after voting for Markey at Norton High School. He  disagreed with Gomez on a number of issues, including abortion. "You've gotta be pro choise these days. You can't be for the party, you've gotta be for the people."

"I think the issues are important," added Markey supporter Anne Rhodes, 72. "I'm against all these guns. I like the fact that [Markey's] trying to fight for the little man--social security, stuff like that."

In voting for Gomez, Norton voters interviewed, said they wanted to see a new voice to the United States Senate.

"I think we need a change in government. We're heading in the wrong direction,"  said Pat Zwickler, Tuesday. "I think that he would be trying to make a change like Scott Brown did when he was elected. We need to go to our values. We need changes and I think [Gomez] will be the one to make those changes."

"Markey is one of those incumbents that's been in there for so long as part of the system," said Curtis Buck, 65, a retired postal worker. "Obama wants him as one of his henchmen... Everyone talks about how Congress has low ratings. We have an opportunity to make a change, get some fresh blood. [People always say] it's not our guy, but it is our guy. [Markey's] been there for 37 years. Not that I think republicans will make much better [decisions]."

"[Gomez] was a better candidate," said Christine Kalnicki, 44. "I voted for a little change."

 "[Voting is] how you change things," added Kym Arena, 49, an independent, who went for Gomez. "It makes sure, I guess, sort of you get what you want." Independent, voted for Gomez. Markey has been in office. In-office is broken, [so we should] do something to shake things up."