May 22, 2018
Clerk’s office will be open only for election business today, Jobe says…
Lazer will have all results after polls close tonight
LOUISA, KY. — After months of campaigning and preparation, the big day for candidates in the 2018 primary election has finally arrived.
This year’s election is unique in that there are at least four office holders running unopposed giving them an easy street to four more years at their positions. County Clerk Chris Jobe, PVA Chris Rose, County attorney Mike Hogan and Surveyor Cliff West have no opposition on the Primary ballot.
With the retirement of four term Sheriff Garrett Roberts, the race to become the county’s top lawman has drawn strong candidates on both sides of the political fence and two term incumbent Judge/Executive John Osborne has a slew of opponents, even one from his own party. (SEE Sample Ballot HERE)
With the retirement of long time Coroner Mike Wilson, two GOP candidates and one Democrat could make for a close race in November and as always, the four magistrate’s positions are well contested with a half dozen or so in each race, both Republican and democrat.
Most of the ‘politicking’ has been in the form of road signs. Some last minute old time house-to-house canvassing took place over the weekend but not nearly as much as usual, maybe because of the number of unopposed candidates for major county offices.
The only non-partisan race on the Primary ballot is for Ky. Court of Appeals which has six candidates and the top two vote getters will square off in November for the position. The District Judge position left open with the retirement of Judge John Holbrook will be in November as well.
One of the most anticipated races will be between GOP incumbent State Representative Jill York attempting to hold off a challenge from political newcomer Kathy Hinkle, a Democrat whose opponent in the Primary has dropped out of the race in favor of Hinkle. York faces Carter Co. educator Chuck Clark in the Primary and is favored to win the right to defend her position in November.
Lawrence County Clerk Chris Jobe expects a good turnout today with clear skies and lots of candidates. Polls opened at 6:00 am this morning and will close at 6:00pm but anyone standing in line at ^:00 will be allowed to vote.
“I Hope we have a good turnout,” Jobe said. “The clerk’s office will be doing election business only Tuesday. We will return to normal business Wednesday. If anyone has questions concerning the election , we want them to feel free to contact our office.”