Beech Tree News Network

Cameron edges out Quarles in Butler County, rolls to big win statewide in the GOP Primary for governor.

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A total of 1,718 votes were cast, 18 percent turnout, in Tuesday's primary election in Butler County.  According to Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson, whose office is tasked with conducting elections, there are 9,288 registered voters in the county.  Turnout statewide was approximately 14.4 percent. 

"Butler County’s Election went smoothly. The new Poll Pads were a great asset in our voting locations," said County Clerk Sherry Johnson.  "I wish more voters would have turned out.  We voted 18 percent which is better than the statewide percentage,which was around 14 percent."

Races for statewide offices in the Republican primary generated the most interest locally.   

In the most-closely contested race, Attorney General Daniel Cameron squeaked out a narrow win over Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, 591 to 584.  Former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft finished a distant third in the county with 155 votes.  The remaining votes were scattered among the rest of the nine candidates on the ballot. Cameron will square off against incumbent governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, in November.  

Secretary of State Michael Adams

In the race for secretary of state, incumbent Michael Adams easily defeated his two challengers, Stephen Knipper (376) and Allen Maricle (112). Adams received 828 votes and won with over 60 percent of the vote.  Adams won statewide and will face Democrat Charles Wheatly in the General Election. 

Mark Metcalf

Mark Metcalf carried the county in the race for state treasurer, easily defeating opponents Andrew Cooperrider and O.C. "OJ" Oleka.  Metcalfe received 727 votes and won with 62.4 percent of the vote.  Metcalfe will face Democrat Michael Bowman in November.  

Jonathan Shell

For agriculture commissioner, Jonathan Shell defeated Richard Heath, 820 to 384, which was just under 68 percent of the vote.  Shell, a former state representative and majority floor leader, won statewide and will face Democrat Sierra Enlow in November.    

Current state treasurer Allison Ball, now running for auditor of public accounts, defeated her opponent, Daniel Petteys.  Ball received over 72 percent of the vote to Daniel Petteys' 28 percent.  Ball will face Democrat Kimberley Reeder in November. 

In other statewide match-ups set for November, Republican Russell Coleman will face Democrat Pamela Stevenson in the race for attorney general.