Jason Perillo, State Representative Elect District 113 Shelton, CT

"Jason Perillo, a 30-year-old Republican, declared victory Tuesday night after handily winning a special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Richard Belden in his hometown of Shelton."

"Perillo, a member of the Board of Aldermen, won with an unofficial tally of 2,085 votes, compared to 1,146 for Democrat James Orazietti, said George Gallo, the chief of staff for the state House Republicans. The margin was about 65 percent to 35 percent in a race that generated a turnout of 24 percent, Gallo said."

"Although the numbers have not yet been certified, Republicans were confident in their victory."

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"Surrounded by supporters and Belden's widow, Bert, Perillo, 30, said he was surprised by his winning margin. "

"Jimmy Orazietti is an excellent person," Perillo said. "I consider him a friend. I certainly did not expect the numbers to look like this."

"Perillo, who also serves on the Board of Aldermen and is the chief of the Echo Hose Ambulance, said he plans to serve out his term as an alderman. "

"I made a commitment to the residents of Shelton," he said. "This doesn't change that."

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