Neal, Rodriguez, Asmussen ahead in other contests
Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow has taken a significant lead in the race for Okanogan County Sheriff against incumbent Tony Hawley, according to the latest returns from the county auditor’s office.
According to the third round of vote counting released on Monday (Nov. 14), Budrow had drawn 6,221 votes (52.25%) to Hawley’s 5,686 (47.75%) in results from the Nov. 8 general election.
That was a turnaround of more than 500 votes. After the second round of returns released on Nov. 10, Hawley, who is seeking his second term, led by 9 votes.
The auditor’s office said on Monday that about 2,400 ballots remain left to be counted. The next round of results will be released on Thursday (Nov. 17) by 6 p.m., the auditor’s office said.
Meanwhile, in the race for the District 3 County Commissioner seat, Oroville Mayor Jon Neal maintained his earlier lead over Lloyd Caton Jr. of Tonasket. Incumbent Coroner Dave Rodriguez of Twisp, who rode a primary election write-in campaign to a position on the November ballot, continued to outdistance Rojean (Jeannie) Hughes of Tonasket. Incumbent Okanogan County PUD District 3 Commissioner Jerry Asmussen still held a comfortable lead over challenger Joseph Enzensperger of Tonasket.
In the only contested race in state Legislative District 7, incumbent State Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber enjoyed a substantial lead over Lonny Ray Williams of Republic.
In the 4th Congressional District, which includes the Methow Valley, incumbent Rep. Dan Newhouse was headed to a convincing win over Democratic challenger Doug White.
Statewide, incumbent Sen. Patty Murray easily outpolled Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley, who conceded the race.
The Methow Valley Emergency Medical Services District levy renewal was winning enthusiastic approval, with 2,030 “yes” votes (80.62%) to 488 “no” votes (19.38%).
In other results as of Monday’s third round of counting:
• Neal led with 5,530 votes (52.03%) to Caton’s 5,099 votes (47.97%) in the contest to replace Commissioner Jim Detro.
• Rodriguez tallied 7,252 votes (65.32%) to Hughes’ 3,850 votes (34.68%) in the coroner’s race.
• Asmussen led with 6,786 votes (60.45%) to Enzensperger’s 4,442 votes (39.55%) for the PUD position.
• Districtwide, Maycumber drew 30,627 votes (74.52%) to Williams’ 10,471 (25.48%) in the race for state representative, Position 1. In Okanogan County, Maycumber had 8,186 votes (77.65%); Williams polled 2,356 votes (22.35%).
• Districtwide in the Congressional contest, Newhouse tallied 134,343 votes (66.5%) to White’s 63,311 votes (31.3%). In Okanogan County, the margin was narrower: Newhouse 7,713 (61.13%), White 4,904 (38.87%).
• Filing for re-election, and drawing no challengers, were Okanogan County incumbents Assessor Larry Gilman, Auditor Cari Hall and Prosecuting Attorney Albert Lin. Susan Speiker was the only candidate for county clerk and Pam Anderson was the only candidate for county treasurer.
• Incumbent Republicans Sen. Shelly Short and Rep. Joel Kretz ran unopposed for their 7th District positions.
• Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Robert Grim and District Court judges Chancey Crowell and Charles Short were re-elected without opposition.
• Statewide, Murray led Smiley with 57% of the tallied votes to Smiley’s 43%. In Okanogan County, Smiley polled 7,862 votes (59.84%) to Murray’s 5,277 votes (40.16%).
• Statewide, incumbent Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, a Democrat, led nonpartisan challenger Julie Anderson, 49.9% to 46%. In Okanogan County, Anderson drew 7,046 votes (60.68%) to Hobbs’ 4,565 votes (39.32%).
