GOP voters give Kirby, Sprungl nominations
Tuesday’s primary election went to Boundary County’s Republican incumbents.
Sheriff Greg Sprungl and commissioner Walt Kirby, both of whom were challenged on the GOP ticket, won nominations.
Sprungl defeated Boundary County Jail Commander Jeff Ennis 917 to 623. Ennis four years ago lost to Sprungl in the primary by 97 votes in a three-way race for the four-year seat.
Sprungl on Nov. 4 will now face Independent Allen Gemmrig of Copeland for the $48,400-a-year job.
Kirby defeated challengers Chad Farrens, a Moyie Springs Councilman, and Brian Woomert, a 20-year resident, to represent the Moyie Springs area for another two-year term. The job pays $28,400 annually.
Kirby garnered 643 votes to Farrens’ 469, while Woomert tallied 383 votes. Kirby in November will face Democrat John O’Connor, who ran unopposed in the primary and received 347 votes, and Independent John White. O’Connor owns Bonners Books, and White is a retired sawmill and construction worker.
Sprungl on Wednesday thanked his committee and others who contributed to his campaign.
“Rose (his wife) and I are really happy,” Sprungl said. “We did a lot of door-to-door (campaigning), and the general comment was people thought the office had been quiet and things were running well.”
As for Kirby, he too was pleased with the results.
“I’m thankful to the voters for their support,” he said, noting he believes he won on his record.
“All of the things the team of commissioners has been able to accomplish, and I think the public understands this and wishes us to continue.”
Commissioner Ron Smith, who was unopposed in the primary, received how many votes for the four-year term in the Bonners Ferry district. Smith will face Democrat Jerry Pavia in the fall. Also unopposed Tuesday, Pavia garnered how many votes. He is a professional photographer.
In other races, Republican incumbent Sen. Shawn Keough defeated Donald Heckel for State Senator representing District 1 with a 1,081 to 381 margin. Write-in Democratic challenger Lew Langness from Boundary County tallied 52 votes.
Incumbent Dist. 1 State Rep. Eric Anderson also won easily over Daniel Lawrence, 975-341.
Hollingsworth did what
County prosecutor Jack Douglas was unopposed for another term and garnered how many votes. The job pays $51,150 annually.