Primary Election Results

Well, I can't say it was a particularly exciting Primary Day in this little corner of heaven. I think the talking heads said we had a whopping 17% turn-out. But, for ye socks who follow such things . . .

My not-so-favorite incumbant U.S. Congressman Ric Keller was visibly shaken last night when virtual unknown Todd Long came within a few thousand votes of winning the Republican nomination. The good news for him: there WAS an upset on the Democratic side. Gadfly Alan Grayson trounced the perceived favorite and local scion Charlie Stuart by a whopping 20%. This heavily-Republican district might have been able to stomach a conservative Democrat like Stuart this year, but Grayson is kryptonite in this case.

The Orange County Sheriff's race is shaping up to be the most lively in years with the retirement of the bloated turncoat windbag Kevin Bearry. Republicans overwhelmingly voted to nominate former Undersheriff John Tegg, while Democrats just as overwhelmingly chose local embarassment Jerry Demmings. But, Tegg has his work cut out for him. Democrats turned-out in significantly larger numbers (42,859 vs 39,896). If they turn-out in the same proportion come November, especially if the junior senator from Illinois grows any coattails, we could be doomed to four years of unprecedented lawlessness . . . wait a minute, we've already done that, haven't we?!?

In less high-profile contests:

* My breakfast buddy Eric Eisnaugle won an overwhelming victory (68% to 32%) in the Republican primary to succeed Andy Gardiner in the state legislature.
* Earl K. Wood, whose name is synonymous with tax collection in this little corner of heaven, won the Democratic nomination to what I believe is his 92nd term. Or, maybe, he's just 92 years old. I don't remember. The number 92 figured into the story somewhere . . .
* I met one of my new neighbors David Rose in the parking lot outside the polling place. He was on the ballot for precinct committeeman. So, of course, I voted for him. I mean, it showed real initiative to sit out there in the heat and humidity all day. Good news: He won 55% of the vote in a crowded field of five.
* County Judge Debbie Ansbro coasted to re-election despite negative information published about her by local defense attorneys.