Legislative races in a state of flux

SANDPOINT — By press time, only nine of 33 Bonner County precincts had reported midterm election results, leaving state races in a flux.

According to reports at the polls, turnout was remarkably steady throughout the day for a midterm election that provided clear ideological choices for voters. In many cases, Democrats who described themselves as political moderates battled against Republicans who embraced far-right conservative ideals.

In the race for District 1 state senator, veteran Republican legislator Shawn Keough faced off against the young, fiery Constitution Party challenger Christian Fioravanti. Keough positioned herself as a candidate who would use experience, seniority and pragmatism to serve constituent needs, while Fioravanti said he would fight the federal government tooth and nail. Keough’s experience brought her a lead of 860 to 547 votes despite some aggressive opposition at candidate forums.

Republican Heather Scott and Democrat Laura Bry went head-to-head for representative seat A. Scott attracted a substantial following during primary season for her strongly conservative positions and energetic style, while Bry emphasized education, forestry issues, transparent government and constituent support among her priorities. Scott’s enthusiastic conservatism brought out voters for yet another election, putting her in a lead of 1,075 to 363 votes.

Representative seat B was sought by Democrat Andrew Sorg and Republican Sage Dixon. Once again, voters found a clear distinction between Dixon’s pledge to fight for the reclamation of federal lands and repeals of federally-influenced education standards and health care. Sorg, on the other hand, emphasized improved support for education, livable wages and economic opportunity among his primary concerns. Once again, a Republican sweep set Dixon at a 1,042 to 390 lead.

In District 7, voter had clear choices of their own, and for the most part, their opinions were clear. For state senate, Sheryl Nuxoll edged out Casey Drews 554 to 205 votes. Shannon McMillan led Jessica Chilcott 554 to 207 votes for state representative seat A. And Paul Shepherd carried a lead over Kenneth Murray Meyers 559 to 197 votes.

No results had yet been reported for the proposed increase from 5 to 7 percent for the Sandpoint bed tax. A levy for Westside Fire District stood at 86 in favor and 53 against.