Walla Walla County Picks Turner

WALLA WALLA - With 60 percent of the vote counted

Tuesday evening, Walla Walla County Sheriff's candidate

John Turner was well on his way to victory over Bill White. Turner, who was applauded by supporters for what they said was one of the "cleanest" campaigns in recent history, was ahead 53.5 percent compared to White's 45.9 percent.

In other contested county races, Richard Greenwood beat Virginia Romine for County Coroner, while Kris Hedine won as part-time District Court Judge against Bridie Monahan Hood.

In accepting his victory following a contentious race for Sheriff, Turner said he was humbled by voters' endorsement of his philosophy as a law enforcement executive, promising tougher anti-gang policies and 24/7 patrolling throughout the county.

"I will lead and serve honorably," Turner said and vowed to continue his public outreach activities while in office. "Being in touch with people isn't just a campaign promise. I'm looking forward to being your Sheriff and to the great things we can do together."

In a short interview with the Times, Turner said he hopes to return to Waitsburg and the surrounding area, where he had strong support as a candidate - as much as 70 percent, according to one estimate.

"I want to hold ongoing community meetings," he said. "I will carry this (Sheriff's) badge as a symbol of the public's trust."

Dan Leathers, a Waitsburg resident who hosted one of Turner's meet and greet at his home, said Turner's plan to train more canine units will help combat drug trafficking on Highway 12 through the Touchet Valley. And he is expected to work well with Walla Walla Police Chief Chuck Fulton.

"I expect Waitsburg will get more coverage," Leather said.

Kris Hedine, who was ahead of Monahan Hood 58.8 - 40.7 percent in early balloting, said he was delighted with voters' endorsement

of him as a judge. Hedine, who is Waitsburg's city attorney, is currently serving as judge pro tem in Walla Walla County District Court.

In statewide voting, incumbent Democratic Senator Patty Murray was slightly ahead of Republican challenger Dino Rossi 50.6 to 49.4 percent. Sixty-two percent of voters in Walla Walla County voted for Rossi, compared to 37.5 percent for Murray.

More than 76 percent of county voters cast their ballot

for Republican Cathy McMorris-Rodgers over Democrat Daryl Romeyn and 84.8 percent preferred Maureen Walsh to Brenda High. In their entire districts, McMorris-Rodgers had a comfortable margin over Romeyn 65-35 in Congressional

District 5 and Republican

Walsh was ahead 78-22 over challenger Brenda High of the Constitution Party in the race for State Representative.

Walla Walla County's voter turnout was 43 percent,

compared to Columbia County's 80 percent and state turnout of almost 40 percent.