Steve Kane, the Republican challenger for Athens County sheriff, said he was sure he would beat incumbent Pat Kelly this time.
But Kelly won four more years in office Tuesday night with 14,338 Athens County voters supporting him — about 59 percent. Kane won 10,077 votes — about 41 percent, according to data from the Athens County Board of Elections.
Kelly celebrated at The Pigskin, 38 N. Court St., with fellow area Democrats, while Kane somberly awaited results with supporters at the Athens County Republican headquarters.
Kelly will be paid $69,372 as Athens County sheriff.
When the final results came in, Kane said he was extremely disappointed.
“This is a strong Democratic county. If (voters) want a sheriff just because he’s a Democrat, even though he steals taxpayer money — God bless them,” Kane said. “I’m done. I’m so done. I’m going to enjoy my retirement.”
Kelly beat Kane in 2008 with less than a 2-percentage point lead over Kane, who said he will not seek public office in Athens County again.
“Not interested,” Kane said. “It wasn’t even close this time.”
Ohio University College Republicans were at Kane’s camp, and Communications Chair Dylan Gustafson said the loss was surprising.
“(Kane) ran a hard campaign,” Gustafson said. “It’s over; Kelly’s the sheriff still and that’s that.”
Kelly said he was satisfied with his margin of victory, especially following a race that was full of negative press toward him in the final months.
“The people in this county obviously realized that elections are about four years in office, not 30 days of a dirty campaign,” Kelly said. “It’s what I’ve done in the last four years that won me four more years.”
Kelly faced allegations of assault in September and misspending taxpayer funds and criminal activity in October. But in November, and after being re-elected, Kelly said he’s grateful for voters who stuck by him.
“If you voted for me, step back and look at my last four years in office,” Kelly said. “All the good things I’ve done in this county is what you’re getting in the next four years.”
The final results of the race will not be released until at least 10 days after the election.
Kane said he thought Democrats would vote for him despite Republican affiliation. He said he was disappointed in Athens County voters, and that he wishes Kelly good luck over the next four years.
“It’s really a shame,” he said. “Pat Kelly — that’s your sheriff. You got him.”
