Henry Daily Herald

McDONOUGH — Not many of Henry County’s 100,000-plus voters came to the polls Tuesday to nominate standard bearers in a host of races in the state legislature, and other state, and national posts. However, the ones who did show some disdain for incumbents in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.

In one of the more contentious legislative races, state House Rep. Steve Davis (R-District 109), lost to businessman Dale Rutledge by more than a 2 to 1 margin, 3,942 votes to 1,761, in the Republican Primary. There is no Democratic challenger.

In another legislative race, state Sen. Gail Davenport (D-District 44), and Gail Buckner, are headed to a runoff contest. They are contending for a post that includes both Clayton County and Henry County, and Buckner had 45.81 percent of the vote to Davenport’s 45.24 with 58 of 60 precincts reporting.

In this year’s primaries, Henry County christened state House District 111. It was created as a result of redistricting after the 2010 Census. Brian Strickland, a Republican, will face Bill Blackmon, a Democrat, for the new legislative seat in November.

Neither incumbent state Sen. Rick Jeffares (R-District 17), nor Democrat Nelva Lee, was opposed in the primaries. They will face-off in the fall.

In a house seat that includes portions of Clayton County, and Henry County, incumbent state House Rep. Glenn Baker (D-District 78), fell behind late in his bid for re-election to challenger Demetrius Douglas. Though he was comfortably ahead after the first 33 precincts were counted, Baker trailed 51 percent to 49 percent with 58 of the 60 precincts reporting.

In another two-county district, that links DeKalb County to Henry County, state House Rep. Pam S. Stephenson (D-District 90), was leading Democrat Scott Hughes.

Other state lawmakers who entered the primaries and general election without opposition are state Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-District 10) ; Rep. John Yates (R-District 73); Rep. Howard Mosby (D-District 83), and state House Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-District 84).

Henry County voters got a chance to play a role in the selection of representation in the U.S. Congress. Incumbent Congressman Lynn Westmoreland was getting strong support in Henry County with 75 percent of the votes cast over his opponents, “Chip” Flanegan and Kent Kingsley.

Elsewhere, in the 10th Congressional District, incumbent Paul C. Broun was outpacing Stephen K. Simpson in Henry County.

In the 13th Congressional District, David Scott swamped his opponent, S. Malik.

In the Public Service Commission contests, Henry voters gave their support to Chuck Eaton over Matt Reid, and Pam Davidson lead Stan Wise.

For updated and complete results see www.henryherald.com.