Penrod was elected sheriff

Twenty-five years ago this week, voters mostly went with the status quo.

The Nov. 4, 1998, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of the election, which largely saw incumbents earn victories. In the most hotly contested race, Republican Todd Penrod, who had served as chief deputy under incumbent Sheriff Kip Robinette, held off Democrat Jeff Harker to keep the office in GOP hands.

Penrod, who had pledged to name Robinette as his chief deputy, got big victories in Wayne and Penn Townships to hold off Harker’s strong efforts in Richland Township for a 3,383-3,127 victory.

“It’s probably been the longest four hours of my life,” said Penrod, who had gathered with fellow Republicans at Jay County Boys Club Community Center (now Jay Community Center) with the mood shifting as the candidates traded the lead for most of the evening. “I want to congratulate Jeff. He ran a clean campaign, and he worked hard.

“It’s been a long year (of campaigning) and I’m relieved it’s over with. I have a strong appreciation for people who run for public office.”

In other races, Democrat Ron Liggett of Redkey clobbered Republican challenger David Robertson 4,326-2,177 to earn another term representing District 33 in the Indiana House. Liggett won every precinct in Jay County.

“From my perspective, I tried to dwell on what I had accomplished and intended to accomplish,” Liggett said. “I tried to run a positive campaign throughout.

“I think the voters are smarter than people who run for office give them credit. I know I always wanted to know what the candidate was going to do for my community and not the negative of the other candidate. I’m pleased I can run a positive campaign. My opponent’s campaign speaks for itself.”

Others winning re-election were State Sen. David Ford, a Republican who overcame a 524-615 deficit in Jay County, Republican county commissioner Milo Miller Jr. and incumbent county council members Gerald Kirby, Mary Lu Premer, James Johnson and Ed May.