The Martha's Vineyard Times

Democratic voters in 9th District choose Keating, Sheldon

September 7, 2012

Photo by Nelson Sigelman

Tisbury selectman Tristan Israel supported his candidate outside the polls Thursday.

Martha's Vineyard voters joined their mainland counterparts last Thursday to decide two primary contests for spots on the November election ballot in the new 9th Congressional District. Voter turnout was less than 20 percent across the Island.

William Richard Keating of Bourne defeated C. Samuel Sutter of Fall River for the Democrats.

According to unofficial results published in the Cape Cod Times, the difference was 57.5 percent for Mr. Keating, 42.5 percent for Mr. Sutton.

On the Republican side, Christopher Sheldon of Plymouth narrowly defeated Adam G. Chaprales of Barnstable by 79 votes.

Results by Island town

Edgartown (voter turnout was 11.9%): Mr. Keating 179; Mr. Sutter 100; Mr. Sheldon 38; Mr. Chaprales 45.

Oak Bluffs (voter turnout was 15.5 %): Mr. Keating 240; Mr. Sutter 148; Mr. Sheldon 50; Mr. Chaprales 54.

Tisbury (voter turnout was 13%): Mr. Keating 211; Mr. Sutter 113; Mr. Sheldon 23; Mr. Chaprales 36.

West Tisbury (voter turnout was 16.9%): Mr. Keating 176; Mr. Sutter 149; Mr. Sheldon 24; Mr. Chaprales 30.

Chilmark (voter turnout was 19 %): Mr. Keating 89; Mr. Sutter 50; Mr. Sheldon 11; Mr. Chaprales 10.

Aquinnah (voter turnout was 13%): Mr. Keating 29; Mr. Sutter 12; Mr. Sheldon 1; Mr. Chaprales 1.

First District

There was also a primary contest on the Democratic ballot for governor's councillor, First District.

The First District includes Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, and Plymouth counties. The Massachusetts governor's council's eight members and acts on issues including criminal pardons and commutations, and approval of judicial appointments.

The Democratic ballot included incumbent Oliver P. Cipollini Jr. of Barnstable, Walter D. Moniz of New Bedford, and Nicholas D. Bernier of Swansea.

In a tight race, Mr. Cipollini was the victor according to unofficial results published in the Boston Globe.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Mr. Chaprales as the winner in the GOP primary.