Incumbent Democratic Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles fought off a challenger and anti-Democratic sentiment Thursday, defeating Republican Chester Heathington and securing a 10th term.
“I’m indebted to the voters, both Republican and Democrats and independents,” Knowles said. ” … They’ve all been just great.”
The race between Knowles, 76, and Heathington, 62, became heated as the general election drew near. Heathington went after Knowles for hiring family members, while members of Heathington’s own party spoke out against his candidacy because of his criminal background. Knowles ran an advertisement showing he has Republican support.
The race had upset potential, as Hamilton County election officials reported voters were picking up Republican ballots at a ratio of 5-to-1 in early voting.
Knowles said he’s “always enjoyed a great deal of support from a wide spectrum of people.”
“I think it’s because I’ve tried to do a good job and people recognize that,” he said.
COUNTY CLERKwith 95.6 of precincts reportingBill Knowles – 32,265Chester Heathington – 15,137
Heathington has a record of misdemeanor offenses dating to 1982, including driving under the influence and possession of a gambling device. In one incident he threatened to kill a park policeman and received a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to assault, records show.
Three members of Knowles’ family work in his office. His son, who is a certified public administrator with a graduate degree from the University of Tennessee, is the chief administrator; his son-in-law, a graduate of Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., is an inventory control clerk; and his grandson is a mail clerk, Knowles said.
The county clerk serves as secretary to the County Commission, executes many of the state’s taxation duties within the county and serves as chairman of the County Records Commission.
He has a $100,772 annual salary and serves for a four-year term.
Knowles will be sworn in Sept. 1.
Follow this link to our Tennessee Elections 2010 website