"She's never been part of the good old boys' network. I think you'll see much more effective experimentation on many issues," O'Connor said.

Despite her supporters' confidence, Gay's victory was far from assured at the beginning of the evening.

Before results rolled in, Buonomo's supporters, who gathered at the Holiday Inn on Washington Street, were certain that the long-time city official would come out ahead.

One of these confident supporters was Buonomo's aunt, Rose M. Earle.

"He's been at this for more than 18 years. My nephew knows every nook and cranny of this city...he knows how to look forward. Tonight is going to be a big victory," Earle said.

Therese E. Stile, a lifelong Somerville resident, also said that Buonomo's experience would help him win.

"I've known John for many years. He grew upwith my children," Stile said. "It was his time torun for mayor. He's the most qualified to do so,in my estimation."

But as results for the first two reportingprecincts came in, an audible sigh arose from theseveral hundred people attending Buonomo's plannedvictory celebration. Gay had won ward two,precinct one by 39 votes and ward two, precincttwo by 35.

The mood lifted and audience members cheeredwhen they heard their candidate had won the secondprecinct of ward one by 56 votes, but this wasamong the last bursts of optimism.

At about 9 p.m., Buonomo conceded defeat. Hethanked his supporters and the city as a whole.

"In the last seven months I have met some verybeautiful people, some very caring people," hesaid.

"I have always believed that you must be readyto both win and to lose," he added.

But his supporters aren't giving up yet.

There was immediate speculation that Buonomowould run against Gay again this fall in theregular mayoral elections.

George S. Hughes was one hopeful supporter.

"I get this gut feeling that he'll run again inSeptember," he said.

But Buonomo was non-committal.

"I'm honored by the thought, but I have no ideawhat I'm going to do," he said.

Meanwhile, another former challenger of Gaysays he will not run against her again.

Joe Curtatone, the third-place candidate inMarch's primary, affirmed his support for Gay.

"I am not a candidate for mayor. I'm hereworking with [Gay]. This is a victory for all ofus. All of my people came here tonight and haveworked hard [for Gay]," he said