In an upset that surprised its own supporters, Belmont residents voted to accept the Community Preservation Act, the measure raising real estate taxes 1.5 percent to create a town-administered fund to be used to preserve open space, historic sites and creating affordable housing and recreational facilities.

"I am overwhelmed," said Paul Solomon, the former Selectman who almost singlehandedly pushed the measure to the ballot.

Going against the anti-incumbent wave that engulfed much of country, current state Rep. Will Brownsberger will be returning to Beacon Hill after easily winning re-election against a spirited challenge from political novice Lalig Musserian of Belmont.

In their shared hometown, Brownsberger won Belmont over Musserian, by more than two to one, 7,384 to 3,111.

But it was in the outlaying precincts of Cambridge and Arlington where Brownsberger's name recognition and popularity served him well. The incumbent took both of Arlington's precincts 1,349 to 230.

But it was in Cambridge where Brownsberger really showed his strength, swamping Musserian more than 10 to 1, 3,957 to 307.

The final total of all 14 precincts was Brownsberger winning easily over Musserian: 12,690 to 3,648.

Joining Brownsberger as an incumbent winning voters approval, Gov. Deval Patrick easily won Belmont taking nearly 59 percent of the vote and trouncing Charles Baker, his Republican challenger, by nearly 25 percent.

Residents also showed its progressive side by voting against the ballot questions that would reduce the state sales tax, repeal the alcohol surcharge and end the 40B law that allows developers to bypass local zoning bylaws by setting aside a certain percentage of housing units for affordable rates.

The results:

Governor's race

Patrick           6,514           59%

Baker              3,953          36%

Cahill                 438             4%

Stein                   162           1.5%

Attorney General 

Coakley             7,764         71%

McKenna          3,120         29%

Rep for Congress

Markey               7,379        68%

Dembrowski     3,364       31%

State Representative

Brownsberger  7,384        70%

Musserian          3,111         30%

Question 1: Repeal alcohol surcharge

Yes         6,539

No           4,364

Question 2: Remove the 40B law

No            6,065

Yes            4,643 

Question 3: Reduce the sale tax to three percent

No           7,182

Yes          3,757