Nothing Lasts Forever

editorial-logo3What a difference a week makes-or not. Jefferson County woke up Wednesday morning with incumbents winning their Primaries in the two lead ticket races. Was it a pretty win? Not really. The Primary Election was like a testy cat. No matter how good it looked for either candidate, there was bound to be some blood letting and drama. Fortunately, the candidates themselves seem to have returned to business as usual. I fear that it may not be so easy for some of their supporters. The Sheriff’s race was certainly the hot race on the ballot and that race impacted other races in Jefferson County.

There has been much said about the less than enthusiastic turnout at the polls on Election Day. Frankly, I wasn’t that surprised. Most people who felt committed in this election voted enthusiastically and early. The rest of Jefferson County’s voting citizenship may have been a little turned off by the fervor of the election. By profession, I am steeped in politics and I was extremely glad to see Wednesday morning come. Other “political nerds” who follow all levels of politics have voiced the same relief that I felt when the die was finally cast and it was over. Enough is enough and I think that the public certainly had enough during this election.

That being said, congratulations are still in order for those that fought the good fight and brought home the victory. This is how the system works and, though I know that supporters on all sides are feeling a little stung by the process, it is still the best process around, warts and all. Never let it be said that running a political campaign is not hard, self effacing work. It is and all that participated in this election should be commended for their efforts.

I know that it rankles some that the margin of victory was slight in some races. A win by several hundred or a win by a few is still a win and enough is as good as a feast. That is how our political system works and now it is done. Well, almost. August is just around the corner and I have a feeling that it may get hot in Jefferson County this summer.

Again, congratulations to the winners of Tuesday’s election and thank you to all of the candidates for your dedication to Jefferson County. Remember that a term is just a term and nothing lasts forever. Not even political enemies.

Source: K. Depew, News Director