Incumbents celebrated wins

Twenty-five years ago this week, incumbents were celebrating victories.

The Nov. 8, 2000, edition of The Commercial Review featured election results including wins for incumbents — Democrat Jay County Commissioner Gary Theurer Republican county clerk Jane Ann Runyon and Democrat state representative Ron Liggett of Redkey.

Other election results included Marilyn Coleman, Mark Barnett and Andy Schemenaur earning seats on Jay County Council.

Runyon won one of the closest races of the day, holding off Democrat Ken Wellman 4,125-3,843.

“I’m really looking forward to another term in the clerk’s office,” said Runyon, who had stepped into the role after Coleman resigned to take a new job. “I really appreciate all the support from all the voters.”

She congratulated Wellman on a well-run race, and he also had kind words after his defeat.

“The Runyon name is synonymous with local government,” Wellman said. “She’ll obviously do a good job.”

Theurer posted a strong victory to earn another term as commissioner, picking up 59% of the vote as he topped GOP challenger John Wagner 4,546-3,176 for the south district seat.

“I was a little nervous about how people felt about the job I was doing (as commissioner),” Theurer said.

“I’d like to thank the voters for their confidence and support,” he added. “I want to justify the trust they’ve put in me.”

Coleman easily took the top spot among six candidates seeking three at-large seats on the county council. She had 4,330 votes, well ahead of the 3,849 for Barnett and 3,790 for Schemenaur. Republican Tom Lightle was a close fourth with 3,642, followed by Democrat Randy Mann at 3,522 and Republican Steve Erwin at 2,637.

Republicans elected without opposition were Brian Hutchison as Jay Circuit Court judge, Mike Leonhard as county commissioner (north district), Robin Alberson as treasurer, Brad Myers as coroner and Brad Daniels as surveyor.