Hart, Davis, Durham get a “W”

Two Oconee County councilmen who often disagree were the choices of their district voters in the Republican primary.  District Five’s Glenn Hart turned back a challenge from Les Richardson (1,099-969) and District Four’s Julian Davis emerged with a skinny, 37-vote margin over Jack Collins (1,129-1,092).  That tight race prompted questions of whether there will be a vote re-count.  Not so close was the outcome in District 2 where Matthew Durham of Mountain Rest won over Josh Roberts of Walhalla by 1,363-751.  From the start of the tabulating, it was no contest for Oconee Sheriff with second-term incumbent Mike Crenshaw winning all night with a final total of 8,846 to challenger Amanda Tinsley’s 2,235.  Those outcomes decided nominations only and are to remain unofficial until the county’s election commissioners face a 1 p Thursday deadline to certify results, consider any challenges, and rule on any disputed ballots.  Most of last night’s winners should have an easy ride in the fall as it’s likely they’ll meet no third or other party opposition. In the Democratic primary, Seneca businessman Hosea Cleveland, with 1,064 beat in-county rival Mark Welch, 756 votes.  Both Welch and Cleveland were contesting for Democratic votes across the 3rd congressional district to be theie party’s nominee to take on Republican incumbent Jeff Duncan in November.