Incumbents won in the local primary races Tuesday.
Voter turnout was 35.45 percent locally. Out of 47,254 registered voters, there were 16,750 people who voted in Kosciusko County.
Superior Court II Judge James Jarrette and Superior Court III Judge Joe Sutton received the most votes in their respective contests.Jarrette received 3,978 or 53.93 percent, of the votes, defeating Torrey Bauer, who received 3,398 votes, or 46.07 percent, of the votes.
"My wife and I are happy that I won the primary, but there still is November," Jarrette said in a phone interview this morning.
He said if re-elected in November, he hopes to concentrate on operating the court more efficiently and addressing the county's alcohol issue.
Bauer, who said it was his first time for seeking public office, said it was a good experience and an honor to run for Superior Court II judge.
"I'm happy for Judge Jarrette because he has served the county well and will continue to serve well, and I wish him all the best," Bauer said during a phone interview Tuesday night.
Jarrette is seeking a sixth term. He has served as Superior Court II judge since Jan. 1, 1997. He served as Kosciusko County Court judge from Sept. 4, 1979, to Dec. 31, 1996.
In the Superior Court III race, Judge Sutton received 3,924 votes, or 52.06 percent, of the votes. Sutton defeated Mike Valentine, who received 3,613, or 47.94 percent, of the votes.
"I am thrilled, but exhausted, because it has been a long month working many hours, and I am thankful and fortunate for the people who voted for me," Sutton said in a phone interview this morning.
He said he was out until 1:40 a.m. today taking down campaign signs.
"I will continue to work hard to do the best job for the county," Sutton said.
Sutton is seeking a third term and has served as Superior Court III judge since 1997. He served as deputy attorney for Kosciusko County from 1990 to 1996. He also served as chief deputy prosecuting attorney for Kosciusko County in 1996-97.
Valentine, in a phone interview Tuesday night, said he thinks Sutton did a good job campaigning and was well-prepared and well-organized.
"God puts us where he wants us, and it is a confirmation for me that I should continue practicing law and helping my clients," Valentine said.
