Did alleged attack affect election?

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Mayor Susan Dawson was ousted in Agawam's mayoral preliminary election on Tuesday. She finished fourth in a seven candidate field.

Earlier this year, Dawson claimed she was attacked at a Max’s Tavern restaurant in Springfield by her boyfriend's estranged wife, Celeste Benoit.

Benoit has been charged in connection with that alleged attack and the case is working its way through the courts.

On Tuesday night, in an interview with 22News, Dawson refused to speculate on whether the controversy surrounding her private life may have contributed to her defeat.

Former resident of Agawam Richard Reid told 22News he believes a candidate or elected official's private lives can definitely impact voters’ perception of them and hurt their standing with voters.

Yet another woman saw it differently. Judy Jock said she saw Dawson as a victim and that the controversy surrounding her private life had nothing to do with her running the city.