Three people will be sworn in this morning at the state capital.  Two new state senators and one new Representative will take the oath of office after winning special elections on Tuesday.  The state Senate will continue to have an equal number of Democrats and Republicans.  The two incumbents who resigned to seek other state jobs will be replaced by a member of their own party. 

Despite a large influx of outside money, the 32nd Senatorial District will continue to be held by a Republican.  Watertown State Representative Eric Berthel defeated Democrat Gregory Cava and petitioning candidate Daniel Lynch.

Democrats are taking credit for narrowing Berthel's margin of victory in the traditionally GOP district. 

As a member of the state House, Berthel was a member of the Housing, Banks, Insurance & Real Estate, and the Finance, Revenue & Bonding committees.  Berthel is a former Board of Directors member of Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union and served on the Watertown Board of Education.