Posted on 11/06/2008 12:00:36 AM PST by nickcarraway
Republican Sam Wyche was elected Tuesday as the District 3 representative on Pickens County Council.
Wyche defeated Democrat Wesley Burbage by an 80 percent to 20 percent margin, 6,478 votes to 639, according to unofficial results.
Wyche is a former National Football League quarterback and coach and a motivational speaker for business and other professional groups. He defeated incumbent Republican Ben L. Trotter in the June primary. Trotter is the council’s vice chairman.
Burbage, a political newcomer in his first race, works in automotive sales and repairs.
In his statements prior to the election, Wyche said he will emphasize the prospects of tourism for Pickens County, and work to develop parks and encourage outdoor pursuits, including hiking, fishing and hunting. He also hopes to work to promote job opportunities through industrial development for the area.
“Turnout was the name of the game tonight,” said Phillip Bowers, chairman of the Pickens County Republican Party, about Tuesday’s elections. “We had 65 percent turnout and a lot of straight-party voting. That was the secret to our success.”
But the Democrats in Pickens still are encouraged and Democrats’ performance overall.
“I would like to congratulate the Republicans on getting out the vote,” said John Painter, Pickens County Democratic Party chairman. “This is a tough area of the state (for Democrats) to run in, and I thought we did pretty well. We are building the party.”
There are 69,359 registered voters in Pickens County. Officials said there were 45,440 ballots cast, or a 65 percent voter turnout.
Boomer Esiason had Wyche on his radio program yesterday morning. The coach seemed like a really good guy. We definitely need more people like him running for office.
As a reluctant Bengals fan I say good luck. He is good person even though...”...we are not in Cleveland...”
As a long time & (sigh) current Bengal fan, I wish Sam the best. He's a good guy with a heart of gold - glad he's a pubbie.
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