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July 16, 2008

Hogan defeats Welch in sole commissioner race; Ridley receives GOP nod

By Mark Millican

CHATSWORTH — Immediate past Eton mayor Greg Hogan defeated incumbent Murray County sole commissioner Jim Welch in the Democratic primary Tuesday night. Hogan received 1,494 votes (56.17 percent) to Welch’s 1,166 (43.83 percent), with just a few provisional ballots still to be counted.

“I’m relieved, but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Hogan after the final tally was announced around 9:30 p.m.

Asked what he thought made the difference, Hogan responded, “It was about being honest with people, and showing that you care for them. I appreciate all those who voted for me, and I’m looking forward to the general election and serving this county.”

Welch did not immediately return phone messages Tuesday night.

On the Republican side, David Ridley defeated Rick Pritchett in a closer race, 677 votes (51.84 percent) to 629 votes (48.16 percent).

“I don’t really know what resonated with voters,” Ridley said, “but I want to thank all the people who supported me, and I look forward to a clean campaign with Mr. Hogan. I want to thank Rick Pritchett also. We ran an extremely clean campaign with each other.”

“Today the citizens of Murray County have voiced their wishes loud and clear,” Pritchett said in a written statement. “I would like to thank my wife and family members and supporters who worked so hard, and Mr. Ridley for being an amicable opponent. I will give my support to him so we can finish this race in November.”

Larry Sampson with the Murray County Elections and Registrar’s Office said that “three or four” provisional ballots had yet to be counted Tuesday evening, and election results would be official on Friday.

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