About 25 percent cast votes in July 20 primary election

Several contested local and statewide races helped boost turnout for the July 20 primary election in Alleghany County. According to unofficial results, about 25 percent of Alleghany County's 6,232 registered voters cast ballots. Of those, 910 were Democrats and 629 were Republicans.

Many of the candidates for office stopped by the Alleghany County Board of Elections for results as the election tallies came in. The results of the election are considered unofficial until they are certified by the board of elections on Friday.

In the closest race of the night, Gary Mabe, with 408 votes, edged out local farmer and former Blue Ridge Sun owner Milly B. Richardson, who received 403 votes for the second spot on the Democrat ticket in the race for county commission this fall. The top vote getter in the race was former County Commission Chairman Ken Richardson, who had 590 votes.

Ken Richardson said, "I'm very appreciative that the Democratic voters chose to pick me in the primary and make me a candidate this fall. This is the first step in getting back on the board. Hopefuly, I can generate additional support for the general election."

Meanwhile, Mabe said, "I want to thank all the people who voted for me. We're looking for a real strong campaign this fall. I was looking for a real close race (in the primary)." Mabe said he was surprised that he took one of the two slots.

In a telephone interview Tuesday night, Milly Richardson said, "I would just like to thank everyone, all of the 403 people who took the time to vote for me. I appreciate their support. I'm sorry I didn't have the time to get out and campaign like I should. I look forward to their continued support in two years."

In the primary for county commission on the Republican ballot, incumbent County Commission Vice Chairman J. Warren Taylor was the top vote getter with 400 votes. Coming in second was former Sparta Town Manager Tom Douglas with 288 votes. Both men have earned the right to appear on the ballot in the fall election. Coming in third was school bus driver William "Bill" Caudill, who received 238 votes.

Taylor said, "I'd like to thank the party for their confidence in me. We had a good group of candidates and I look forward to the general election and the opportunity to serve in the county commission again." Douglas said, "I'm pleased to have made it this far. I want to assure folks if I prevail this fall, I will do my very best."

Caudill said in a telephone interview from the board of elections, "I appreciate all the support, backing and consideration that I received.

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