By Lori Berglund
Daily Freeman-Journal Editor
With nearly 73 percent of registered voters going to the polls in Hamilton County, the race for president was far, far closer among local voters than on the national scene. While Senator Barack Obama has been declared the winner nationally, and Sen. John McCain has conceded, it was a neck-in-neck race in Hamilton County.
Obama received 3,999 votes, just shy of 50 percent, while McCain received 3,909 votes, for 48 percent.
Bailey reelected to Statehouse
At the local level, the most-closely watched race was in Iowa House District No. 9. Here in Hamilton County, incumbent Democrat McKinley Bailey won handily, with 3,837 votes, 62 percent, while Republican challenger Jamie Johnson netted 2,319 votes, 38 percent.
While Bailey lost to Johnson by about 100 votes in Wright County, results were not yet in for the six townships of the district in Webster County. However, Bailey is projected to be the winner and will be returning to the Statehouse for a second term.
Deyoe reelected to Statehouse
A small portion of Hamilton County is represented by Iowa House District 10. Here, incumbent Republican Dave Deyoe was the strong favorite. He carried Hamilton County easily, with 1,151 votes, 65 percent, compared to 621 votes for Democratic challenger Susan Radke.
Likewise in this race, results were not yet available for the remainder of the district, but Deyoe was expected to be returned to the Statehouse.
Latham reelected to U.S. House
Incumbent Republican Tom Latham easily carried Hamilton County. He received 5,194 votes, compard to 2,739 for challenger Democratic Becky Greenwald.
Look for full results in Wednesday's Daily Freeman-Journal