Special election to fill Conn. House seat

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Polls are open in parts of New Britain and Newington to fill a vacant seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

The special election will fill an open seat created when Democrat Timothy O'Brien resigned in November after he was elected mayor of New Britain.

Democrat Rick Lopes, Republican Peter Steele and a petitioning candidate, Thomas A. Bozek, are competing for the legislative seat.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says voters who see problems at the polls should contact her office immediately.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m.