Democratic incumbent Ann Trout won the race for Athens County Clerk of Courts last night, defeating Republican challenger Miles Wolf by a sizable margin.
Trout received 17,462 votes -about 70 percent of the votes cast for the clerk of courts position. Wolf received 7,534 votes.
It feels absolutely great. I'm glad it's over. It changes your whole life
Trout said shortly after hearing results of the election.
Trout said she had been worrying all evening while waiting to hear the results.
Everyone said 'You have nothing to worry about.' But you worry she said.
Trout said she split her time election night between the Democratic headquarters at The Blue Gator and The Athens County Courthouse.
Wolf said he waited for the election's results at home.
I thought it would be closer he said.
Trout called campaigning for the election a whole new experience. She said she and her fellow Democratic candidates became a family throughout the campaigning process. Her experience made the largest difference in the election.
I've worked in the office since 1986. Experience counts
she said.
Trout said she does not have any changes planned for the clerk of courts office, stating she wants to keep things running smoothly.
Wolf said Trout needs to clear up the misconceptions that many people have about the role of the clerk of courts position.
She needs to keep the public informed about the office
he said. All office holders need to let the public know where the money is being spent.
Wolf, a stay-at-home dad, said he would have hired a baby sitter to make campaigning easier.
I didn't get out enough door-to-door
he said.
Wolf also said running as a Republican in a highly-Democrat area made the election difficult.
Until the demographic changes
it's going to be very difficult for a Republican to win here
he said.
Wolf said his future career plans are undecided.
I wish her luck
he said of his opponent. Our campaign never got dirty.
-Emily Petro contributed to this article
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