Election 2006: Every vote counts
By JOE REDMON In an object lesson on the importance of individual voters exercising their constitutional right, Meade County recorded yet another example of a close election. The official results in the Meade County sheriff’s race shows a separation of but one vote between challenger Butch Kerrick (R) and incumbent Cliff Wise (D). In the closest race in living memory, Kerrick won the race by one vote. Voters in Meade County responded to a lively campaign season by turning out in heavier than expected numbers and choosing new leadership. Poll workers reported heavy voter turn out throughout the day. Lines of 30 to 40 voters were common. “This is the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen,” commented one worker.
Meade County Clerk Katrina Fitzgerald reported a voter turnout near 52 percent. Fitzgerald’s team worked feverishly well into the evening to provide official election results to an expectant county. Generally, incumbents fared poorly up and down the ticket. Congressman Ron Lewis (R-2nd District) continued to fare well locally, despite a national trend against Republicans and incumbents. The state representative’s race was a close race. Incumbent Rep. Gerry Lynn (R-27th District) lost to challenger Jeff “Frog” Greer (D) by approximately 700 votes. The final outcome of this race was still unknown at press time as returns from Hardin and Bullitt counties had not been received. In the county judge executive race, Harry Craycroft (D) outpaced Theresa Padgett (R) by a comfortable margin. In the race for county attorney, challenger Margaret Matney (R) beat incumbent Darren Sipes (D). In the race for jailer, incumbent Troy Seelye (D) defied the trend against incumbents, retaining his job by outpacing challenger Steve Whitten (R). In the 1st District magistrate’s race, newcomer Tom Goddard (I) upset incumbent Jamie Staples (D). In the 2nd District, incumbent magistrate Herbie Chism (D) retained his job by outpolling John Jones (R). In the 3rd District, Mark Hubbard (D) won the magistrate’s seat over Joe Bewley (R). In the 5th District, incumbent Harold Davidson (D) lost to challenger Steve Wardrip (R). The 6th District race was won by Randall Hardesty (D) over Stanley Bennett (R). Republicans held their election night party at Doe Valley’s Swim and Tennis Club. A large turnout of Republicans, estimated at about 120, showed up to listen to election results and congratulate or console candidates as applicable. Democrats held their traditional election night party at the Farm Bureau Community Building in Brandenburg. Turnout estimates for the Democrats exceeded 300.
|
Photo by Sandra Stone
Photo by Sandra Stone