The anti-incumbent fervor that swept across the state in Tuesday’s primary elections did not extend into Allen County.
Allen County Republicans had three locally contested races — for sheriff, county commission and county attorney — and current office-holders prevailed in all three.
Allen County Commissioner Tom Williams had the “easiest” night of the incumbents, garnering more than 62 percent of the vote against challenger, Ron Ballard (460 votes to 272).
“I am humbled and moved by the confidence the voters have given me,” Williams said after the results were announced. “I am grateful to have the opportunity again to serve the community which has given so much to me and my family. I look forward to our continued progress and growth.”
Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, meanwhile, fended off a spirited challenge from Neosho County Attorney Linus Thuston. Hathaway received 987 votes to Thuston’s 910 (52 percent to 48 percent).
“I appreciate the voters’ support,” Hathaway said afterward. “I thank them.”
Neither Williams nor Hathaway have opposition from the Democrats’ side in the November general election, so their re-election is a virtual certainty.
Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy, while tallying more votes than either of his two challengers, Jared Froggatte and Kelley Zellner, still has work to do.
Murphy received 928 votes (47.8 percent) to Froggatte’s 849 (43.8 percent) and Zellner’s 163 (8.4 percent) to earn the GOP nod.
He advances to face Iola police officer Mike Aronson in the Nov. 8 general election. Aronson filed Monday as an independent candidate.
“For 24 years, this profession has been very rewarding, both professionally and personally,” Murphy told the Register in a statement. “Yesterday, the voters reminded me why this commitment to being yoru sheriff and serving Allen County is home for me.
“I am deeply honored by the support of our community and the effort this campaign to stay on the high road, despite others’ best attempt to shake the community’s faith in this office and our abilities,” he continued.
AS AN aside, all three incumbents received overwhelming support from voters who cast advance ballots.
Williams received 112 advance votes to Ballard’s 41. Hathaway led 220 votes to 130 in advance voting. Thuston even received more votes (780 to 767) from ballots cast Tuesday.
Murphy received 207 advanced votes, compared to Froggate’s 129 and Zellner’s 29. Voters who waited until Tuesday to cast their ballots picked Murphy 721 times, just one more vote than Froggatte’s 720. Zellner picked up 134 votes on the day of the election.
During Tuesday’s primary, 2,250 of the county’s 8,275 registered voters participated, a turnout of 27 percent.
