Tierney awaits results from his toughest race

SALEM, Mass. (WHDH) -- John Tierney has spent most of the race trying to distance himself from a gambling scandal involving his wife and election night will determine if he was successful.

If Tierney is not victorious in the election it will end his eight terms in the U.S. House.

Tierney admitted this has been his toughest race yet, due to the indictment of his wife’s brothers for running an illegal gambling business online.

The scandal tightened the race for the incumbent.

“I’m a little bit surprised. I didn’t think even the right wing would get that low,” said Tierney.

Many of Tierney’s supporters have stuck by his side.

“It was his in-laws and it did not change my point of view at all. I know John Tierney pretty well. We think he’s an honest guy. He’s busted his butt for us, we’ll do the same for him,” said supporter, Jeff Crosby.

“I am worried. I’m worried, but I’m very, very hopeful because I’ve been talking to people all day and I’m getting a really, really good feeling,” said supporter, Rachel Tose.

But, Tierney admits his campaign has taken a toll.

“When I talk to people, people are talking about the issues. They really want to know what matters for their families. I think they’re pretty disgusted and turned off by well, that other nonsense has been going on, but we’ll see when the election’s done,” said Tierney.

One of Tierney’s convicted brothers-in-law did accuse the politician of knowing about the illegal gambling operation all along. Tierney has steadfastly denied those claims.

He has served in the U.S. House since 1996, losing only when he initially ran in 1994.