The Chairman's Blog

Republicans Victorious on Election Day!

Posted on Aug 06, 2010 - 12:01 AM

After fielding a candidate for each of the six constitutional offices for the first time at their caucus in March, the Republican Party of Rutherford County now celebrates their victories. With the election of four newcomers and re-election of two proven leaders, Rutherford County and its citizens are indeed winners.

The biggest victory for the citizens of Rutherford County was perhaps the election of Sheriffs Deputy Robert Arnold as Sheriff, ending the 26 year reign of Democrat incumbent Truman Jones Jr. “They said it wasn’t possible. They said I was going up against ‘the machine’,” declared Arnold during his victory speech.

Beginning in September, three Republican women will serve the citizens of Rutherford County for the first time. The three women elected are Lisa Duke Crowell, Laura Bohling and Heather Dawbarn. In the race for County Clerk, Lisa Duke Crowell handily defeated Democrat Lisa Harrell. Crowell, a successful realtor, received 60% of the vote and replaces Democrat Georgia Lynch who did not seek re-election. Republicans also celebrate the selection of Laura Bohling over incumbent Democrat Eloise Gaither as Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk. Bohling, an administrative professional, garnered 54% of the votes. The third, local business woman Heather Dawbarn, defeated incumbent Democrat Jennifer Meagher Gerhart in Thursday’s race for Register of Deeds.

Congratulations also go to two incumbent Republicans who were re-elected. The first is Mayor Ernest Burgess who will serve another four year term as chief operating officer of the county. “I’m grateful that the public believes in me. They believe that I can lead with honesty and integrity. I have to thank everyone for their support.” Mayor Burgess received 69% of the votes cast, easily defeating Independent David Limbaugh. Also re-elected August 5th was Rutherford County Trustee Teb Batey who ran unopposed and received more than 23,000 votes.

The Republican Party of Rutherford County congratulates all these exceptional people and wishes them much success as they serve the residents of Rutherford County for the next four years.