By BETH ZUMWALT
Robert Smith emerged as the Republican candidate for Scott County Sheriff in last week’s primary race. Smith collected 591 votes compared to Steve Doolin’s 544 and Caleb Handy’s 173.
“I think people voted for my 35 years experience in law enforcement,” Smith said. “I’ve lived here my entire life and dedicated my life to the people of Scott County. My goal is to treat everyone fairly, whether they voted for me or not.”
Smith said the sheriff’s department has a good team already on board and he plans to build off that team.
“The only change I see immediately is I’d like to do a periodic update for the residents of Scott County to let them know what we are doing,” Smith said.
The only other contested local race in the county was for Scott County Treasurer. Shelley Whewell collected 862 votes in the Republican primary compared to Katherine Simmons’ 412.
Robert Schafer prevailed as the lone candidate for county commissioner garnering 1031 votes.
State wide, Scott County Republicans followed their fellow Illinoisans. Don Tracy received the nomination for United States Senator, to replace long-time Senator Dick Durbin. He received 689 votes.
Darren Bailey as candidate for governor and Aaron B. Del Mar as lt. governor were overwhelming supported in Scott with 991 votes from Republicans. Ted Dabrowski and Carrie Mendoza were second with 107 votes and no other candidate received votes more than 100.
Jil Tracy, the lone candidate for state senator of the 50th legislative district was uncontested aswan C.D. Davidsmeyer.
The Democrats of Scott County narrowly supported Raja Krishnamoorthi over Julianna Strattor and eighth other candidates. Krishnamorthis received 44 votes in Scott County compared to Stratton’s 43.
