In a race that split the vote among four challengers for the Republican nomination of Circuit Court Clerk, just over 800 votes separated the winner Johnny Blankenship from his closest rival.
Blankenship was the front runner for most of election night as precinct totals came in. He won the nomination by securing 3,169 votes.
The candidate with the second highest total was Donna Hughes McKinney who captured 2,344 votes. Frank Peters came in third with a vote count of 2,207. Challenger Tammy Arnold Kyviakidis rounded out the field of candidates with 1,297 votes.
During the campaign, Blankenship, McKinney and Kyviakidis all touted their experience in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office while Frank Peters ran on a platform of reforming the office.
“I want to thank the voters who supported me,” Blankenship said. They won’t be disappointed. I’ve been serving Carter County for 21 years and I look forward to continuing to serve.”
In another highly contested race for a county office, Roger Colbaugh secured the nomination for the position of Superintendent of Roads.
Running against Colbaugh were Ricky Guinn, Hubert C. Lewis, Steven G. Pierce and Jason H. Shell.
Colbaugh walked away with 35 percent of the votes. Shell won 30 percent, Guinn obtained 16 percent, Lewis took 11 percent and Pierce garnered 7 percent.
The following incumbents ran unopposed for the Republican primary and will move on to the General Election in August:
Randal K. Lewis for County Trustee.
Mary R. Gouge for County Clerk.
Edrie “Jody” Bristol for Register of Deeds.