Republicans win Kootenai County races

Kootenai County voters mostly backed Republicans down the ballot Tuesday, continuing a long trend of support for conservative candidates.

In early results, the race for House seat B in the 4th Legislative District was the closest local race Tuesday night. Incumbent Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d’Alene, was leading Democratic challenger Anne Nesse with 54 percent of the vote early Wednesday.

The county had released results of absentee ballots, early voters and 39 of 70 precincts. The remaining vote totals were expected to be released after midnight.

Coverage of the final results can be found at www.spokesman.com.

In other races Tuesday night:

• 2nd Legislative District, House seat A: Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, was headed to a third term with 65 percent of the vote. Democratic challenger Cheryl Stransky trailed with 36 percent.

• 3rd Legislative District, House seat A: Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur d’Alene, had 68 percent to Democrat Michelle Lippert’s 32 percent.

• 4th Legislative District, Senate: Republican Mary Souza, who defeated incumbent Sen. John Goedde in the May primary, was leading with 76 percent of the vote. Constitution Party candidate Ray Writz had 24 percent.

• County commissioner, District 1: Republican Marc Eberlein, who defeated incumbent Todd Tondee in the primary, was leading with 66 percent to Democrat Bruce Noble’s 34 percent.

• County commissioner, District 2: Republican David Stewart had 66 percent and Democrat Jerry Shriner had 37 percent.

• County clerk: Republican Jim Brannon, appointed in December, had 67 percent to Democrat Larry Belmont’s 33 percent.

• County treasurer: Republican Steven Matheson had 67 percent and Democrat Janet Callen had 33 percent.

• County assessor: Republican Mike McDowell had 72 percent on his way to a fourth term. Democrat Shirley McFaddan had 28 percent.