Dems pick Norman as probate candidate

Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 8, 2006

In the race for Probate Judge, incumbent Steve Norman handily defeated his fellow Democratic candidates, earning 58.89 percent of the vote against challengers John Hall (24.75 percent) and Charles Rogers (16.36 percent).

Norman tallied a total of 2,620 votes; Hall came in a distant second with 1,101 votes, while Rogers had 728 votes.

After conceding victory to Norman, Hall smiled and said he was still &#8220feeling good.”

&#8220After all, the sun is still coming up tomorrow, at least I hope it is,” Hall said.

&#8220I do want to say I appreciate everyone for voting for me, I really do.”

Rogers was also smiling as he shook the hands of supporters after the last votes were tallied.

&#8220I'm still O.K. I had a lot of fun doing it. I did the best I could – and I just came up short,” Rogers said.

Rogers' wife, Judy, said, &#8220We really do appreciate all the votes we did get.”

Norman, who stayed busy throughout the evening performing his office, said staying occupied &#8220sure didn't hurt” when it came to calming the nerves.

&#8220I am certainly pleased. I was hoping for 50 or 50-plus percent of the vote, and I got that,” Norman said.

&#8220We had a lot of good help. Robyn, my wife, was a big help. She worked hard for me; she shook a lot of hands and gave out a lot of cards.”

Robyn Norman simply smiled and said it was &#8220a real relief.”

Norman will face Republican challenger Johnny Lee in the general election in November.