Dunne, Disappointed, Says Will Be Back in 2014

The entire room at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall was momentarily in shock at the numbers staring back at them on the white board Tuesday night -- Republican political newcomer Leah Cole, considered a longshot candidate for much of the race, had apparently managed to win.

The City Clerk's office finally confirmed the results shortly before 9 p.m. -- Cole had defeated Democrat Beverley Griffin Dunne by 73 votes (1,878 to 1,805) and .

Dunne said 73 votes wasn't enough of a margin for her to justify asking for a recount. According to the City Clerk's office, total voter turnout was 20 percent Tuesday.

Dunne, 55, a local attorney, School Committee member and Peabody native, said she was surprised and disappointed by the results. She said she ran a "very positive campaign" and had expected to do better in some of the city's wards.

She said a "three-way race can go in any direction," but attributed Cole's victory mainly to an "overwhelming amount of literature" her campaign mailed out, which was heavily financed by Republicans and conservative advocacy groups across the state. 

Dunne told a room of supporters she would be back in 2014, no matter who was running again for the seat.

The 12th Essex District seat in the Mass. House of Representatives was left vacant with the death of Joyce Spiliotis in November. The district represents Ward 1 through 4 and Precinct 1 and 3 in Ward 5.