Local county races in Bourbon County offer few surprises and one race too close to call-

In Bourbon County the high-profile race is the race for county judge-executive in which incumbent Democrat Donnie Foley is opposed by Republican Tony Horn. Horn is the elected jailer who was indicted by a Bourbon County Grand Jury and at trial was given 90 days to serve in jail. In a normal climate the bet is that the incumbent judge would not have problem in the race. But Horn has a very vocal group of loyal supporters. The question is how large that group really is, rather than how vocal they are. A few things are certain: Judge Foley is likely to run extremely well in North Middletown, Little Rock and some other areas in the county. Horn may run better in the more Republican areas such as the Hutchison precincts. On balance Horn may make the race closer than some people expected but this should be a victory for Foley by a safe, if not commanding margin. Other county races which are contested include the race for county jailer which is now a transportation officer position with the formation of the regional jail. Former Sheriff John Ransdell, a Democrat, is opposed by Republican David Ratliff. The name recognition of Ransdell along with partisan advantage should make this a run away for Ransdell. The only other county race which is contested is the race for magistrate (1st District) in which incumbent Donnie McCarty, Democrat is opposed by Republican Dr. Robert Biddle. This is the one race that has the makings of possible upset. McCarty has served in office for some time and in any other year or in any other precinct he might be able to hold on. But this is the one area of the county where there may be Republican coattails from the top of ticket. There will be a strong Republican vote in the Hutchison precinct for sure. Whether it is enough to sink McCarty is not certain and may depend on how much work the two candidates have been doing out in the precinct. This race is a tough one to predict. Initial thought has McCarty surviving but if there is a large Republican turnout, Biddle may pull it out.

Comments

[Nathan Zingg]

As much as I like Tony Horn personally, his own sworn defense testimony in his trial was effectively that he was in way over his head. I just can't see voting for him for an office where the water is even deeper.

[Jimmy Brannon]

Well, Nathan... first a correction.... First, the blog stands corrected on the race between McCarty and Biddle: Biddle is actually running as an independent not on the Republican ticket. The effect of that is unknown but in what has become a Republican leaning precinct (Hutchison) it may have been to Biddle's advantage had he been on the Republican ticket. Running as an independent in some other precinct might have been different.

[Jimmy Brannon]

Yes, Nathan... I agree with you on the judge's race. I witnessed nearly the entire trial of Tony Horn and the whole defense theme centered on how unprepared for the job he was and so forth. It is true that they blamed that on the Judge and fiscal court but you have to wonder why you file to run for an office that you are so totally by your own admission unprepared for. I think Tony is well liked by many and hate to be harsh on him but his defense at the trial was almost incredible. In an effort to explain inconsistencies in statements to state police for example the defense stated that Horn was 61 years old and couldnt remember what happened a month ago. Unless that condition has improved, I agree with you that it is hard to see how the outcome is going to be any better in the deeper water of the judges office, as you put it.