Stockton tops Baugh as GOP incumbents carry the day

Wednesday, May 9, 2018
GOP challenger Jerrod Baugh congratulates Sheriff Scott Stockton on his win in the Republican primary Tuesday evening. Stockton topped Baugh 2,880-2,112 in the race for the GOP nomination.
Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Republican voters chose to stay the course in Tuesday’s primary election, as Sheriff Scott Stockton was among three Putnam County GOP incumbents to win his party’s nomination.

Stockton topped challenger Jerrod Baugh 2,880-2,112 in the race that saw the most votes cast in the county at 4,992.

Fellow Republican incumbents Rick Woodall and Tracy Bridges won their races by even wider margins than Stockton’s 15 percent margin.

The Stockton-Baugh matchup was certainly the most talked about of this primary season, as it pitted a popular incumbent against another veteran police officer who carries with him a beloved name in Putnam County law enforcement.

Baugh’s father Jim Baugh was a two-term sheriff who spent 32 years in local law enforcement. The younger Baugh has spent the last 23 years with the Indiana State Excise Police.

In the end, the Republican voters seem pleased with Stockton’s record and are giving him a chance at another four years.

“I’m elated that the citizens of Putnam County chose me to continue the leadership role that they expect. I’m going to continue to do that for the next 4-1/2 years,” Stockton said.

“The sheriff is the only chief law enforcement officer chosen by the people,” the sheriff added. “It’s a great honor. Words can’t describe how happy I am that the people of Putnam County have entrusted me with their safety and well-being for the next 4-1/2 years.”

At this point, Stockton has no opponent for the November election, but Democrats and independents have until late summer to file.

For now, though, it’s back to the job at hand.

“Right now we have some deputy positions that have opened up. We are interviewing those people next Saturday,” Stockton said. “I still want to stay engaged with the school initiative.

“I’m looking forward to providing the best services we can while still keeping in mind the fiscal responsibility we have to the people of Putnam County.”

While waiting for election results Tuesday night, Putnam County Commissioner Rick Woodall spends time with family and friends.
Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

District 2 Commissioner Woodall also garnered the GOP nomination for a second term by besting Kim Hyten 3,453-1,206 (74 percent).

“I’m happy, of course, that the people of Putnam County put their faith in me again,” Woodall said, “74 percent — that’s a pretty good number, I think.”

Hyten came into the race with a record of leading multiple county departments in the past, but recent changes implemented by Woodall and fellow commissioners David Berry and Don Walton helped the incumbent’s cause.

“I’ve heard good feedback,” Woodall said. “We as commissioners are really starting to work together to serve the county as a whole, rather than just our districts. I think we have good plans for the roads. We’re not making everyone happy, but I think it’s going to take some time and we’re going to see a difference on these roads.”

Woodall emphasized that the work isn’t done.

“I have a list of things I started with four years ago,” Woodall said, “and I want to work with Dave and Donnie on continuing to get them accomplished.”

Standing in his way is Democratic challenger Steve Cash who was unopposed in the bid for his party’s nomination.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Hyten for running a clean race,” Woodall said. “I’m ready to regroup and look forward to Mr. Cash in November.”

Bridges topped Rhonda Chaney 2,919-1,552 (65 percent) to earn the Republican nomination for recorder. Bridges is also seeking a second term.

“I was positively thrilled. I thought it was a good race and I was happy with the results,” Bridges said. “I was a nervous wreck before, just like I’m sure everyone was who was in a battle.”

Bridges currently has no opponent for November.

The other county-level race lacked an incumbent, as three candidates sought to replace retiring District 3 County Councilman Darrel Thomas on the November ballot.

It turned out to be the closest county race of the night, as Danny Wallace topped Jay Fogle by just 20 votes, 446-426. Kyle Nobles was third with 196 votes.

“I just appreciate all the support people have given me,” Wallace said. “I’m just totally overwhelmed. I hope to get the same support in the fall.”

Wallace gave a tip of the cap to Fogle, who has completed two separate stints on the county council. It’s something that runs in the family, as his late mother Nancy Fogle served on the council and commissioners, and sister Jill Bridgewater is a current council member. Bridgewater was unopposed in her bid for the District 2 nomination.

“The Fogles -- it’s tough. They’ve been here a long time in politics,” Wallace said. “It’s quite a task to take either one of them out.”

Democrat Matt Cummings, who was unopposed, will be Wallace’s opponent in the fall.

“It’s a true honor to be able to represent this county as a councilman if I can win it in the fall,” Wallace added.

Unchallenged county Republicans in the primary included District 1 Councilman David Fuhrman, Bridgewater, District 4 Councilman Keith Berry, Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter, Clerk Heather Gilbert, Surveyor David Penturf and assessor nominee Janet Brown.

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