Ben Rubin writes on LoHud.com - “After a sizable win in Tuesday’s special election, Republican Robert Castelli described his victory as an expression of voter discontent with the state capital.

Castelli, a retired state trooper and college professor, beat Democrat Peter Harckham for the 89th Assembly District seat by 55 percent to 45 percent, wrenching away a Democratic-leaning district held by Democrats for the last 17 years.

“I think it’s a mandate for change,” Castelli, 60, of Lewisboro, said about his win. “There’s a level of frustration by the electorate, both Republicans and Democrats, who feel they don’t have a voice in Albany.”

While congratulating Castelli’s win, Harckham, a second-term Westchester County legislator, said the results didn’t surprise him. He said he knew independent voters — who make up 25 percent of the 89th District — were trending Republican.”

To read more click here.