Tuesday is primary Election Day in Kentucky, but the ballots in Logan County will not have many choices for voters to make.
The only race of local interest is the Republican primary for state representative from District 16, which includes all of both Logan and Todd counties.
Jimmy Kent Wilson of Olmstead and Chris Hightower of Auburn are facing off for the right to run against three-term incumbent Martha Jane King in the fall.
Both are relative newcomers to the political arena and have enjoyed the campaign process so far.
“It’s been a blessing and an honor running for office,” Hightower said. “I had a chance to meet a lot of people I didn’t know and run into old friends that I’ve known over the years.”
“It’s been great and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Wilson said. “I met a lot of people, including some I haven’t seen in a while.”
Both candidates said they have heard a lot of dissatisfaction with the president and the federal government.
“People seem to be concerned more on a national level than a local level,” Hightower said. “It seems more people have their eyes on the federal issues.”
Wilson said some of those national issues are affecting things on a local level, though.
“The intrusiveness of government has limited economic growth in Logan and Todd counties,” he said.
Hightower and Wilson both commended each other on running positive campaigns so far while sticking to the issues.
“I know from his side and mine as well, we have stayed to the issues and we have set a good example as to how a campaign should be conducted,” Wilson said.
Hightower echoed those sentiments.
“I feel like we both have ran honorable campaigns,” Hightower said. “Usually in these races, someone is throwing mud, and there hasn’t been a negative attack and I think that should be noted. I commend Wilson for being able to do that.”
Each candidate is confident in their chances of winning on Tuesday, though.
Hightower said he would be “surprised” if he doesn’t win his party’s nomination on Tuesday while Wilson said he was “confident” and “optimistic” about his chances.
Hightower also pointed out that he has gotten a handful of endorsements so far, including the groups: Kentuckians for the Right to Bear Arms, Take Back Kentucky and the national organization Republican Liberty Caucus.
Whoever wins will take on King in the November general election. She is running for a fourth consecutive term and is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Logan County Republicans can also vote for their choice for a U.S. presidential nominee on Tuesday. Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum will all appear on the Logan County ballot, but the vote is merely a formality as Romney has already secured the Republican party’s nomination for president.
Logan County Democrats will have a chance to vote in the primary for U.S. House of Representatives. The two choices will be James Buckmaster of Henderson or Charles Kendall Hatchett of Benton.
The winner of that race will face longtime Republican incumbent Ed Whitfield in the fall general election.
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