State Rep., Judicial, Congressional County Winners Respond To Tuesday Primary
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Republican Curt Nisly received the most votes during Tuesday’s primary for the District 22 state representative race. Voter turnout was 19.61 percent, with 9,899 out of 50,472 voters showing up to the polls. Nisly, who will face Democrat David Kolbe in the November election, defeated Republican incumbent Rebecca Kubacki. Nisly received 4,632 votes or 65 percent of the total cast, and Kubacki received 2,516 votes or 35 percent. Nisly said he learned he won from a phone call from George Dockery, a campaign volunteer. Nisly was at Oakwood Inn in Syracuse Tuesday evening with campaign supporters. “I am very greatful and very honored to accept the Republican nomination for state representative District 22,” Nisly said. He said as he campaigned in the community, knocking on doors and learning and listening, it has been a very good experience for him to go out and meet the voters of the district. Nisly said if elected in November he wants to be the representative of the people and listen to the people of Indiana and what is important to the 22nd district. Looking to the November election, he said he will sit down and map out a plan as he had with Tuesday’s primary. He also spoke about Kubacki and said he would like to recognize and thank her for the years of service she has provided to the district and he said he wishes her well in her future endeavors. And Nisly thanked his wife, Mary, who is chair of the Elkhart Republican party, and their children; Pam Galloway, his campaign chair; John Elliott, his treasurer; Brad Rogers, Elkhart County Sheriff; and the Lunch Pail Republicans, Gun Owners Of America, American Family Action PAC and volunteers and voters. Kubacki said she has been honored to serve District 22. “I’m proud of the bills I have been able to pass. For a legislator to pass four bills and have the governor sign all four of them is great,” Kubacki said. She said she has enjoyed serving her constituents. “I feel like I have been so lucky that I have had the experience,” Kubacki said. She said she has had an experience that not many people get the opportunity to have. In commenting on Kolbe’s nomination, John Bonitati, Kosciusko County Democrat chair, said he was a little surprised by Nisly’s victory. “Curt Nisly holds many extreme views that don’t represent most of the constituents of the district. He would be nothing more than an obstructionist if elected to office. We need a common-sense leader to make government work to improve our community and work across the political aisle. There is a choice and that leader is David Kolbe,” Bonitati said. “We also need focus on economic challenges that Kosciusko County will soon be facing and not be distracted by fabricated issues. Gale Owens, Dan Damron and David Kolbe are candidates that offer clear, alternative leadership to meet the challenges,” Bonitati said. David Cates received the most votes for the Superior Court 1 judge seat, defeating Stephen Harris and Chad Miner. Cates said he was at the Sleepy Owl with campaign volunteers when he found out he won the nomination. “I want to say the two guys I ran against are both honorable men and I really appreciate the fact that each had a very classy and competitive campaign,” Cates said. Cates said he hopes to maintain the level of excellence that Kosciusko County has seen from prior judges. “Kosciusko County has a long-standing tradition of excellent judges and I hope to be able to continue that.” Torrey Bauer received the most votes for the Superior Court 2 Judge seat. He defeated Mark Caruso and Tyler Haines. Bauer said he was taking down political signs when he found out he had won. “I am humbled to receive the nomination,” Bauer said. He said Judge James Jarrette has done a marvelous job for many years and he would like to continue the service Jarrette has provided the county. Bauer said he would like to speed up the process of resolving criminal cases, and provide quicker resolution to issues. Bob Conley received the most votes for the Republican Southern District county commissioner seat, defeating Jon Fussle. Conley faces Democrat Gale Owens in the fall. Conley said with 62 percent of the vote it is edifying to know he has that support in the community. “It is very reassuring that the things we are doing are resonating with people and they appreciate what we are doing,” Conley said. Conley said he has a set of values he stuck to throughout the campaign. Marlin Stutzman won the Republican nomination for the 3rd District congressional seat. Stutzman was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday when he found out he had won the Republican nomination. Stutzman faces Democrat Justin Kuhnle in the fall. “I appreciate the support of so many people across northeast Indiana and it means to me they appreciate the jobs that I am doing,” Stutzman said. “The message we need to talk about is getting our budget under control in Washington and getting to a balanced budget, controlling our debt and deficits and growing a strong economy and making sure our defense is prepared and ready to defend the country,” Stutzman said. Those unopposed provided comments Tuesday night at the Kosciusko County Justice Building. Dave Wolkins, who is unopposed for State Rep. District 18, said he is pleased to have another opportunity to serve his constituents. “It has been a very enjoyable and rewarding career that I have had,” Wolkins said. “I feel like I have the pulse of the community and feel like I have represented them well.” Aaron Rovenstine, who is unopposed for sheriff, thanked his supporters. “It is humbling to know people went to the polls to vote and they have supported me and my family for a long time and I am very appreciative of that,” Rovenstine said
