The Webster Progress-Times

WALTHALL - Four races for Webster County offices are headed for runoffs later this month, according to complete but unofficial results from Tuesday's party primaries.

Only one of the primary runoff elections on Aug. 28 will be for a countywide office while the others are for district offices. Three will be for Democratic candidates and one for Republican candidates.

The countywide runoff will be for sheriff, in which Phillip Smith led a pack of five candidates with 30 percent of the vote in the first Democratic primary. Tim Mitchell was second with 27 percent, followed by Billy Brister, Larry Hughes and Bobby Dale Jackson in voting.

Brister had only 14 fewer votes than Mitchell, according to the unofficial final results from Tuesday night that included absentee ballots. However, an estimated 50-60 affidavit ballots were to be counted Wednesday during the certification of the election by county Democratic and Republican party officials.

Circuit Clerk Deborah Hood and Joe Edd Cooper, chairman of the county Democratic Executive Committee chairman, when asked Tuesday, said the final determination of the second-place finisher and Smith's runoff opponent was too close to call before the affidavit ballots were counted. Certified election results will be reported next week.

The runoff winner will face Independent candidate Rocky Mumphrey in the Nov. 6 general election; Sheriff Reuben McCluskey did not seek re-election.

In another countywide race, Chancery Clerk Russ Turner was re-elected with 58 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger Sharon S. Tindall, whom he defeated four years ago in a runoff. Turner does not have a general election opponent.

Tax Assessor-Collector Barbara Gore advanced to the general election against Republican Paul Hunt in her re-election bid. She garnered 70 percent of the vote against opponent Kay Embry in the Democratic primary.

District 1 Supervisor Robert Hitt won that office's Democratic primary with 58 percent of the vote against James "Pop" Woodard, whom he defeated four years ago. Hitt will face Independent candidate Robert Calvin Mays, a Eupora alderman, in November.

Supervisors Mart Salley and Charles Rivers were re-elected after winning their Democratic primaries and having no further opposition. Salley received 55 percent in District 2, with Jackie Earnest coming in second at 23 percent and Thomas Allen Dorroh third at 22 percent. District 3's Rivers received 72 percent of the vote in his win over Ricky Watson.

District 4 Supervisor Larry Crowley carried 77 percent of the vote against opponent Tommy Phelps. His Republican opponent in November will be determined in a runoff between Earl Frost (42 percent) and Mike Adams (33 percent). Chris Lott came in third

Five Democratic candidates ran for the open seat being vacated by District 5 Supervisor Casey Weeks, with none receiving a majority of the vote. The runoff will be between Jeff McMinn (37 percent) and Doug Burgess (34 percent). Other candidates in order of finish were Johnny Fowler, Steve Hodges and Ronny Paden.

The second primary winner will face Republican candidate Charles McClellan in November, who won that primary with 73 percent. Other opponents in order of finish were Paul Allen Jr. and Mike Cooper.

McMinn is now serving as District 1 constable and five people ran for his open seat in the Democratic primary. A runoff will be necessary between Mark Jones (31 percent) and Howard Rodgers (22 percent). The winner will have no general election opposition.

The District 2 constable's race will be decided in November between Democratic incumbent David P. Murphy and Republican James H. Thompson.

Rebecca Ellison, District 2 Justice Court judge, won re-election with 84 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary against Joe Wright Jr. Ellison has no opposition in November. District 1 Judge Jerry Jones, a Democrat, will face Republican Charles Bailey in the general election.

The county coroner's race will be decided in November between Republican incumbent Steve Wells and Democrat Willie Reed.

In other races of interest, Webster County native Charlie Ross, a state senator from Brandon, carried Webster County in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor with 69 percent of the vote. However, state Auditor Phil Bryant prevailed statewide for that nomination and will face Democrat Jamie Franks of Mooreville in November.

Marshall Coleman, Democratic candidate for District 23 representative, carried Webster County with 61 percent of the vote against Binnie Thompson, both of Calhoun County. Districtwide results were not available at press time. The winner faces Republican incumbent Jim Beckett in November. District 35 Rep. Dannie Reed and District 15 Sen. Gary Jackson, both Republicans, were unopposed for second terms. District Attorney Doug Evans (Democrat) was also unopposed.

Three county incumbents had no opposition and are assured of re-election in November: Neal (Democrat), Superintendent of Education Jimmy Pittman (Democrat) and Prosecuting Attorney Jan R. Butler (Independent)

About 56 percent of the county's 7,539 registered voters participated in the primaries. Around 200 absentee ballots were scanned and counted for inclusion in the final election tally, which were ready about 10:30 p.m. Neal reported no problems with any of the touch screen voting machines.

"Overall, things went well for a two-party election," she said. "The poll workers worked very, very hard."

Cooper, who went to 13 of the 17 precincts during the day, also commended the poll workers and said everything was well managed.

RUSSELL HOOD/STAFF

A large crowd watches as Tuesday night's election returns relayed from the nearby Courthouse are posted on a tally board beside the Walthall Fire Station.