ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt will soon be state Senator Robert Ortt after winning today's election against Niagara Falls School Board Member Johnny Destino.

With 73 percent of precincts reporting, Ortt is carrying 64 percent of the vote — compared to Destino's 33 percent. Paul Brown has just 2 percent. Destino had said Brown's candidacy was that of a spoiler, but even the Working Family votes went to the Democrat, Destino would only have 35 percent of the vote total.

In Niagara County, Ortt received 32.429 votes to Destino's 16.728. Brown received 1,213 votes in the county.

Reached around 11 p.m. Ortt said, "We had a good night and we worked very hard on this campaign ... to get out in front of voters. I think our message resonated."

Ortt referred to himself as "a new generation of leader" and a "post-9/11 leader," saying "It's certainly a different role than it was back in '95 when Sen. Maziarz stepped in to this role."

Destino has not yet returned a phone call seeking comment.

State Senate Candidate Johnny Destino casts his ballot this morning with his kids — Lucan, Ciaran and Beanon in tow. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

NOTE: Story edited at 11:12 p.m. to update vote totals and add quotes from Robert Ortt.

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