Romney Rules Vernon in Primary

Republican Town Committee Chairman Harold "Hal Cummings" turned out to be a political prophet on Tuesday.

The local segment of the GOP's presidential primary turned out to be the beginning of Mitt Romney's campaign.

In a turnout of 16.29 percent, 427 local voters cast ballots.

Romney garnered 288, while Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich totaled 61 each.

Rick Santorum had six and the uncommitted totaled 11.

The most exciting part of the day came midmorning when Cummings went to vote at Vernon Center Middle School.

With Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene taking out the first week of schools, an in-service day was canceled and with the student in schools, side doors normally used for voting were locked.

It took Cummings a while to get in and cast his ballot.

Election workers said they managed to rearrange some singe to make navigating to the VCMS gym easier.

A similar thing happened to Town Council member Bill Campbell at the high school, Cummings said.

Here's what some Republicans said about the primary:

Mark Kalina, Inland Weltands Commission chairman: "Primaries are a good thing for political parties - it tends to increase people's interest in the elections with a vigorous debate (a little controversy helps too).  Unfortunately the date of the Connecticut GOP primary is later in the season and it's importance is diminished as things seem to be more or less decided."

Deputy Mayor Brian Motola: “It is great to participate in the party’s national decision. We are privileged to have the opportunity to express our view on who we believe should represent the Republicans this fall. Couple the primary with the last school focus group meeting this evening and the annual Town Meeting tonight and it is an exciting day for Vernon’s residents.”

Cummings: "While some folks may feel that today's primary is a waste of time, since Mitt Romney's nomination as the Republican candidate for President is now assured, I am looking forward to exercising my right to vote in an open and free election.  All of us have friends and family who, over the generations, have fought and died to preserve our freedoms, including the right to vote.  By making the effort to go to the polls today,  voters will  be honoring their sacrifice for us."