ASHLAND — Republican Jill York was elected Tuesday night in a special election to serve as state representative for the 96th District in Carter and Lewis counties.
York defeated Democrat Barry Webb for the post by nearly 900 votes securing a total of 2,545 votes to Webb’s 1,663.
She will finish the remainder of State Sen. Robin Webb’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2010. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, no relation to Barry Webb, vacated the seat earlier this year when she was elected to the replace Republican Charlie Borders in the state senate. Borders was appointed to the Public Service Commission by Gov. Steve Beshear.
Barry Webb said Tuesday he plans to try again for the seat in 2010. York said she will also seek re-election.
She said she was feeling “a bit overwhelmed ... but in a good way” immediately following her victory Tuesday night. “It’s been more than a political race, it’s been a political sprint because of our shortened time frame,” York said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Frankfort and doing my very best to represent the good people of Carter and Lewis counties,” she added.
York expressed confidence early in the day about her impending victory. “We have a good feeling about it,” she said around 4 p.m.
She said volunteers were helping with get out the vote efforts, calling voters and reminding them to head to the polls.
“Everyone has done something to try to make a difference in turnout today,” she said.
Low voter turnout — estimated between 12 and 15 percent — is what most likely cost him victory, Barry Webb said.
“I think extremely low voter turnout played against us,” he said. “Typically in special elections Republicans tend to be more dedicated and vote a little stronger when it comes to special elections,” he said.
Still, he congratulated York on her victory and thanked her “for a nice friendly race. It was enjoyable,” he said.
Carter County Clerk Mike Johnston said voting went smoothly despite the low turnout. He said the special election will most likely cost the county between $40,000 and $50,000.
“It’s a big issue, it’s a big issue. This county has had two elections and we budgeted zero dollars. It’s been a big financial strain on the county here,” he said.
Carter County Judge-Executive Charles Wallace said the funds will be taken from the county’s general fund. “When it comes out of the general fund something else will have to suffer. We don’t know what yet,” he said, adding cuts will most likely come later in the year.
Lewis County Clerk Glenda Himes estimated her county spent about $20,000 on the special election. The pair of special elections have also put that county in a financial bind, she said.
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