SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA–The midterm primary election on Tuesday made for an exciting time in the world of political theatre for South Central Indiana. Many long-time incumbents faced stiff challenges from newcomers and prevailed while other political veterans seeking to climb the ladder were denied.
In the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s race, incumbent Matt Myers soundly defeated challengers Rob Kittle and Tami Watson, garnering 64 percent of the vote. In Johnson County, residents found out who will face Democrat Jason Boudi in November to succeed Sheriff Doug Cox. Current Deputy Duane Burgess secured the Republican nomination with 41 percent of the vote to edge Stoney Vann and Kirby Cochran.
The U.S. Senate contest saw a rookie, Mike Braun, secure the GOP nod. He defeated Washington veterans Luke Messer and Todd Rokita. A familiar name was victorious in the Republican nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives from District 6. Greg Pence won by a convincing margin over a sizable field of opponents, including runner-up Jonathan Lamb.
In the race for Milo Smith’s vacated Indiana House seat representing District 59, former county councilman Ryan Lauer defeated former Ohio Township trustee Joanne Flohr by 12 percent.
