<< Back 9/11/02 Low turnout the norm for WNC primaries SMN The turnout was low for Tuesday’s primaries in Western North Carolina as the major statewide race was mostly decided before election day. As expected GOP candidate Elizabeth Dole and Democrat Erskine Bowles dominated the race to replace Sen. Jesse Helms, setting up a general election that promises to garner plenty of national attention and money. In WNC races, several county contests pitted incumbents against strong challengers. Here are comments from a few of those who won their primaries. ° Tom Alexander won the sheriff’s race in Haywood County against retired Highway Patrolman Albert Allen — “I’m pleased with the vote, of course. I think people know the job I’ve done, they know what I stand for. I’m going to continue to serve the people the same way I have for the last 16 years as sheriff and the last 29 years with the county. Of course, the biggest thing we really need to do something about is the jail, and I’m going to be working on that a little more forcefully. I’m going to work with the commissioners. I think the jail is real important and something that must be done.” ° Mark Swanger dominated the race for Democratic commissioner in Haywood County, easily leading the ticket with 3,446 votes. The second Democrat was first-time candidate Kirk Kirkpatrick while incumbent Mary Ann Enloe was a close third. Swanger, who is currently chairman of the school board, had this to say after the race — “I want to thank my supporters. As for the issues, you can’t separate the process from the results. The process of arriving at the current courthouse decision was dysfunctional. I am hopeful that this slate of candidates can make the board more responsive to the citizens ... People have repeatedly praised the processes we use at the school board.” ° Mary Ann Enloe placed third in the Haywood County commissioners’ race — “I knew this race would be extremely tough. People have shown that they know I am listening to them. I knew Mark Swanger would lead the ticket, but I was within three votes of being second, and I am proud of that. I am thankful that the people have shown confidence in me.” ° Tom Pruett is the Democratic candidate for sheriff in Macon County. According to unofficial Macon County results, Pruett garnered 53.31 percent of the vote (1,585.) Pruett’s closest Democratic challenger was David Jones with 853 votes. Pruett will face Republican Robby Holland, who received 1,179 votes. “I am excited, thankful and humbled by the result. I believe this is a clear mandate that the people of Macon County want a sheriff that will bring a high level of professionalism to the office,” Pruett said. Pruett also commended all Macon County sheriff candidates for a clean campaign. ° The gavel will pass from Jackson County Chairman Jay Denton to District 3 incumbent Stacy Buchanan this December. Democrat Buchanan defeated challenger Gene Middelton by an unofficial tally of 2,467 to 1,597. There is no Republican candidate for chairman. “Four years ago, they gave a newcomer a chance. I want to thank the citizens for the opportunity to serve once again, this time as chairman.” Buchanan said his first act as chairman would be to present Denton the gavel he has wielded for the past four years. “Chairman Denton has done a great job for the county,” Buchanan said. “I may not get a gavel, I’m a coach. I think I’ll get a whistle.”