BURLINGTON, Vt. -
As Tuesday night approached Wednesday morning, it became clear that Democrat Progressive Doug Hoffer would prevail over Republican State Sen. Vince Illuzzi in the race for state auditor.
Incumbent Tom Salmon bested the policy analyst in the previous election cycle but didn't seek re-election this year.
"It feels great, I worked much harder, I had a different strategy. I know Vince is a great campaigner. It wasn't easy but it feels great," Hoffer says.
Just before midnight, Illuzzi -- who many pundits considered the favorite -- called to congratulate Hoffer on his victory.
He told the media he has no regrets.
"I don't think there's anything I could've done differently," Illuzzi says. "Like everything else, I gave it 110% I worked as hard as I could, given my work schedule and other manners, so I don't know what more I could have done differently."
With Hoffer's Tuesday night victory, it marks the end of an era. State Sen. Vince Illuzzi will no longer be in a state-wide elected office for the first time in more than 30 years. For Hoffer it's the beginning of a new public service career
