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WALTON, JONES, ARMSTRONG AND HELM WIN BIG
By JOHN M. WYLIE II and CHRIS EDENS, Leader writers
In the first election in Rogers County history where Republicans
outnumbered Democrats, the GOP held onto a legislative and a county
commission seat.
But Democrats took the open Sheriff's office and easily retained the
County Clerk's office.
The turnout was an astounding 73.2 percent, the largest in history,
said County Election Board Secretary Terri Thomas.
 SHERIFF
In the only race with no incumbent, Democrat Scott Walton defeated
Republican Cole Butler 20,422 to 17,641, a victory margin of 54
percent for Walton.
“I’m just so thankful for the support I’ve had from family and
friends. They’ve been with me since day one. It’s my job now to
prove myself and provide the quality of life that the folks in
Rogers County have grown accustomed to. I’m truly grateful for the
support and confidence that people have shown in me and I’ll do
everything I possibly can to earn their respect,” Walton said during
the Democratic Watch Party at the Claremore Round Up Club.
Butler won in only seven of the 34 precincts in the county. All were
heavily Republican precincts in the Owasso, Catoosa and Collinsville
areas.
 COUNTY
COMMISSIONER
Commissioner Mike Helm easily defeated Democratic challenger Jack
Barnes, 8,740 to 5,908—a victory margin of 60 percent.
“It was a great win. I took the best the Democrats had in Jack, John
(Wylie) and Harvey (Swift). I look forward to another four years and
any more investigations John has,” Helm said.
Barnes won only three of the 16 precincts which make up District 2 —
Oologah, Talala and Oologah Lake - despite being endorsed by the
Owasso Reporter, Catoosa Times and Oologah Lake Leader,
the only newspapers to make endorsements this year.
HOUSE DISTRICT 9
State Rep. Tad Jones easily defeated his Democratic challenger,
first-time candidate Bill Snyder. The vote was 11,418 to 6,846, a
victory margin of 63 percent for Jones.
Snyder called Jones about 7:45 p.m. to concede and congratulate
Jones on his victory. Jones said Snyder had run a good, hard race.
“We were glad we were able to win. We appreciate all the voters in
House District 9 and I’ll do my best to represent the district in an
honorable way. It’s been a good ten years,” said Jones, who retires
at the end of his new term due to term limits.
Snyder said, “Obviously I’m disappointed. However we knew going into
this five months ago that it would be an uphill battle. I’d like to
thank all my supporters. They were amazing. I learned a lot and that
should help in the future. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities
two years from now.”
 COUNTY
CLERK
County Clerk Peggy Armstrong retained her office by defeating
Republican challenger Rebecca Muratet 20,721 to 16,952. Armstrong’s
victory margin was 55 percent.
Muratet won only six precincts, all heavily Republican.
“I’d like to thank all the citizens of Rogers County for re-electing
me county clerk,” Armstrong said. “I want to continue to build the
trust and accountability at my office.
“We’re proud of our last four years and we want to continue to
improve on that. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I
appreciate their support. We’re here to serve all the citizens.”
CHANGING TIMES
A few weeks ago, Rogers County turned from Democratic Blue to
Republican Red in terms of registered voters.
On Election Day, the tally was 23,231 registered Democrats and
23,839 Republicans. There are 5,945 registered independents.
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