By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Township Mayor Cecilia Birge and her running mate, North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry, both Democrats, were defeated in their bid for seats on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
They were defeated by the Republican incumbents, freeholder director Peter Palmer and Bob Zaborowski.
The Democrats had hoped voters would be ready for a change, pointing to county-level scandals and the complete Republican control of the freeholder board. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Zaborowski said the Democrats were unable to control taxes in their respective municipalities.
Though defeated decisively countywide, Mayor Birge was the top vote-getter in Montgomery.
This tally was released by the Montgomery Township clerk. It does not include absentee, emergency or provisional ballots:
BIRGE – 4,641
SINGLETERRY — 4,185
PALMER — 4,051
ZABOROWSKI – 4,194
This tally was released by the county:
BIRGE – 62,242
SINGLETERRY – 61,048
PALMER – 66,635
ZABOROWSKI – 65,500

