Commission District 6 race too close to call
Published 12:16 am Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It’s not over until, well, it’s just not over.
At least not for Pike County Commission’s District 6 race.
Right now, Republican candidate Karen Berry is leading her opponent, Democrat Oren Fannin, by just three votes, with a 1,385 to 1,382 lead.
And with the District 6 seat open, Fannin said he won’t go down without a fight.
“I’m not conceding because it’s too close, and I know there will be some provisional ballots,” Fannin said. “I’m not sure what we’re going to do, but we’re trying to look at everything again, most especially absentee ballots.”
For now, at least, Berry said she is thankful.
“I want to thank everybody for their support,” Berry said. “It’s been a great race.”
But, with some 190 provisional ballots in Pike County overall, the vote could still swing for either candidate.
Provisional ballots will be counted next Wednesday by the Board of Registrars.
Following other County Commission races Tuesday, incumbents will return to the commission table in their first meeting next week.
Republican incumbent Jimmy Barron came out big in the three-way contested District 3 race.
Barron took 55.8 percent of the votes, with 1,128 total votes. Democrat opponent Kathleen Forbish took 509 votes, and independent Sherrill Calhoun had 383 votes.
“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and looking after me and my family in this long year,” Barron said. “I’m overwhelmed at the support I got and want to thank the people for putting their trust and confidence in me to move Pike County forward.”
And though it’s over for Forbish right now, it won’t be the last Pike County sees of her.
“It was a learning experience, I enjoyed it and I learned a lot,” Forbish said. “I’m not going to bed. I will go to the commission and voice my opinion on different things.”
Forbish said she isn’t sure whether she will run again in four years.
Calhoun could not be reached for comment.
District 4’s Democrat incumbent overcame his opposition Brian Floyd with a 63.8 percent majority, 1,349 votes to 766.
“I’m honored to serve the people again for the next four years,” Goodson said. “I want Pike County to be the best it can be, and with God’s help it will be.”
Floyd could not be reached for comment after the election.
District 5’s Charlie Harris came out victorious over his independent opponent Jeff Baker.
With 1,238 votes to Baker’s to 1,169, Harris took the seat by 77 votes.
“This day, when I woke up this morning and had time with just me and the Lord, I talked to him and he told me don’t worry,” Harris said. “I want to thank my wife for being so supportive, my brothers, Hasting and Joel, and my church family.”
Baker could not be reached for comment.