We got a winner

Smith just entered the county building to applause and hugs.

She was getting ready for a hair appointment when the call came from her campaign manager, Lani Frank.

"I just went, 'Oh my god!'," said Smith, a 56-year-old grandmother who owns a water-treatment business with her husband.

Minutes earlier, an unidentified man was stomping his feet in joy in the lobby.

Frank fielded congratulatory calls.

Levine did some last-minute strategizing on his cell phone.

And Smith, smiling, held her first official press conference.

"This is a win for the people of the district," Smith said, sounding very much like the politician.