East Greenwich Town Councilor Mark Schwager lost his bid to replace longtime state senator Mike Lenihan in the statehouse when North Kingstown political newcomer Dawson Hodgson beat him 54% to 46% on Tuesday night.

"I've got big shoes to fill," Hodgson, a Republican said in Tuesday night. "Mike Lenihan held this seat for 22-years and I have great respect for him."

Hodgson also spoke well of his Democratic opponent, but said his message of sending a Republican rather than another Democrat to Smith Hill resonated stronger with the residents of East Greenwich and North Kingstown.

"People are craving an effective opposition party," he said. "Someone who can work collaboratively when appropriate and take a stand when necessary."

The evening started on an ominous note for Schwager when he came up 6 votes short in the totals from Hanaford School.  He did win East Greenwich, but couldn't overcome the heavy vote for Dawnson in North Kingstown.

When asked to analyze the race, he said he wasn't sure he was ready to offer up any analysis this soon.   He said Hoddgson ran a clean campaign and it was not a negative campaign.  "He'll do fine", he said.

In response to where he put his effort, he said he tried to spend most of his time in North Kingstown, but it was just too difficult to get the tide to turn there.

Asked about future plans, he said it was too early for a response, but he would stay involved in public service.

 Watson Beats Bolton

While State Rep. Bob Watson beat Bob Bolton for a seat in the state house in a battle of East Greenwich residents, he probably wasn't doing much celebrating. He was in the itnesive care unit at Miriam Hospital on Tuesday night for unidentified health issues.   

Bolton said he kicked his campaign into high gear right after the primaries and felt he had left no stone unturned in his efforts and never offered a negative comment.  He also commended what he said was the very hard work of his campaign committee.

"Watson is obviously a formidable candidate, which I knew", he said.  When asked if he would do it again...he paused briefly and said "sure."