Donald Walton congratulates his opponent Kristina Warren Tuesday night after Warren won the Republican nomination for County Commission District 3. [Click to enlarge]

It was déjà vu all over again for Kristina Warren Tuesday night as she awaited the results of the election that would determine whether or not she would be on the ballot in November as the Republican candidate for Putnam County Commission District 3.

"It was a nail-biter four years ago, and it was a nail-biter tonight," said Warren, who bested challenger Donald Walton for the nomination -- just as she did four years ago. "I'm surprised I have any nails left."

Also winning his race was Republican incumbent District 1 Commissioner Gene R. Beck, who defeated challenger Eric Merrell.

Tiffany Hebb of the Greencastle League of Women Voters posts election numbers Tuesday night at the Putnam County Courthouse. [Click to enlarge]

Warren, who will seek her second term as a commissioner, defeated Walton by the narrowest of margins -- only five votes separated them when the final count was taken. A total of 2,925 votes from 29 precincts were cast in the race.

"(Walton) was a tough opponent," Warren said.

In the District 1 race, 2,863 votes were cast. Beck garnered 1,667 of them.

GENE BECK

No Democrats filed for candidacy in either race.

Beck has a long history with the commissioners. He has served in that capacity off and on since the early 1970s.

"The biggest thing I want to see is the 911 center get finished," Beck said. "I want to make sure it's done right, but that it's done as cheaply as it can be done … and not with taxpayer money."

Warren is looking forward to the general election in November.

"I'm going to use this primary as a basis for how I'm going to go into the general election," she said. "I can see now where I need to improve, and I can hit it even harder."

Warren's reasons for wanting to remain on the commission are deeply personal.

"There's just so much more to do in our county, and I want to be a part of it," she said. "We have two kids we're raising here, and I want make sure they're raised in a good community."

Beck said the support he received from his constituents was humbling.

"I really appreciate what everyone has done," he said. "I hope I can have another four years on the commission so I can keep working."