|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
For the second time in a row, Bob Grant has defeated Republican Jeff Locke.
Grant, the incumbent Democrat, won 3,480 votes to 2,766 votes for Jeff Locke. The race involved three counties, with Grant taking Crawford and Cherokee counties by so many votes that Locke’s win in Bourbon County made little difference.
“I think that my opponent made an issue about my 17 years up there,” Grant said. “I tell you what, I always hear from people because of the bleedover from Missouri about how they hate negative campaigning there, but it seems to work. I was a little disappointed in tactics down here in all the races, not just mine... I guess folks around here thought experience counts, and I feel like I’ve done a good job.”
Grant was not surprised to see that Locke won in Bourbon County.
“No, because he won it the last time. He worked hard, and he was all over. He worked hard, but I think the voters looked at the experience and job I’ve done.”
Locke congratulated Grant on the victory, and said he wishes more would have voted for him.
“I respect the fact that the people have spoken,” Locke said. “That’s the first thing I want to get across. I respectfully believe that when I run in 2012, I’ll try to get the economy going through investing in our private sector and distancing myself from the unfundable mandates of Obamacare, unlike my opponent.”
Ultimately, Grant will be one of a handful of state Democrats in Kansas state government. He said it’ll be an uphill battle all the way.
“I think you’re going to see a hell of a swing to the conservative side,” Grant said. “They’ve got the numbers. Statewide, Democrats are down to about 30 House seats. Even with moderate Republicans, we’re not going to stop the conservative movement. I don’t know how good 45 is going to do against 80. The numbers just ain’t there. I’m going to go back up there, and I’m going to do best job that I can.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
For the second time in a row, Bob Grant has defeated Republican Jeff Locke.
Grant, the incumbent Democrat, won 3,480 votes to 2,766 votes for Jeff Locke. The race involved three counties, with Grant taking Crawford and Cherokee counties by so many votes that Locke’s win in Bourbon County made little difference.
“I think that my opponent made an issue about my 17 years up there,” Grant said. “I tell you what, I always hear from people because of the bleedover from Missouri about how they hate negative campaigning there, but it seems to work. I was a little disappointed in tactics down here in all the races, not just mine... I guess folks around here thought experience counts, and I feel like I’ve done a good job.”
Grant was not surprised to see that Locke won in Bourbon County.
“No, because he won it the last time. He worked hard, and he was all over. He worked hard, but I think the voters looked at the experience and job I’ve done.”
Locke congratulated Grant on the victory, and said he wishes more would have voted for him.
“I respect the fact that the people have spoken,” Locke said. “That’s the first thing I want to get across. I respectfully believe that when I run in 2012, I’ll try to get the economy going through investing in our private sector and distancing myself from the unfundable mandates of Obamacare, unlike my opponent.”
Ultimately, Grant will be one of a handful of state Democrats in Kansas state government. He said it’ll be an uphill battle all the way.
“I think you’re going to see a hell of a swing to the conservative side,” Grant said. “They’ve got the numbers. Statewide, Democrats are down to about 30 House seats. Even with moderate Republicans, we’re not going to stop the conservative movement. I don’t know how good 45 is going to do against 80. The numbers just ain’t there. I’m going to go back up there, and I’m going to do best job that I can.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
