Didier scores big victory margin in Congressional primary
Clint Didier, center, talks conservative politics with voters at the George, Washington Fourth of July celebration.
CONNELL - It appears name recognition played a big role in some, if not all of the primary election races important to the Royal Register readership.
It may have had an impact even in the contest for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 4th district. It was won by former NFL footballer now farmer Clint Didier of Connell over farmer Dan Newhouse of Mabton, 33,028 votes to 26,773.
Years ago, when Newhouse was in the legislature, he had the name recognition edge. Then, while he served as secretary of agriculture for a Democrat governor, Didier ran some losing races but elevated his name recognition beyond Super Bowl fame.
The not-so-recognizable Democrat Estakio Beltran got third with 12,583 votes, and first-time political candidate George Cicotte of Tri-Cities finished fifth at 6,777 votes.
Janea Holmquist, the former state senator from Moses Lake received 10,883 votes for fourth place, but the biggest share came from her home area, where she had name recognition.
The results set up a showdown in November between Didier and Newhouse. Newhouse is likely to carry Yakima County, and Didier is likely to do the same in Tri-Cities.
That could mean a furious campaign by both candidates in Grant County. The final result may depend on who remains most conservative while wooing liberals.
The Name recognition factor was evident in the 13th district senate race. Former State Rep. Judy Warnick swamped Democrat Mohammad Said. It's unlikely Said will close the 20,382-3,092 gap in November.
Neither Dani Bolyard nor Tom Dent had great name recognition in the 13th district house race, but businessman Dent probably had more. Dent (13,249 votes) and Bolyard (7,257) will do battle November.
State Rep. Matt Manweller, un-challenged in the other 13th district house race, will go back to the house unless someone mounts a miracle write-in candidacy.
In the county, a race that demonstrated public dissatisfaction with incumbent Angus Lee, the county prosecutor's race went to attorney Garth Dano, 7,708-5,489. Their battle will continue.
The closest primary race, for county commissioner District No. 3, had incumbent Cindy Carter edging Randy R. Zolman 1,715-1,596. They should have a barn-burner of a race to November.
Melissa McKnight led county assessor incumbent Laure Grammer 4,984-3,620. They will meet again in November.
For county assessor, Michele Jaderlund topped Jacob Taylor 6,492-5,000 as they head to November.
Kimberly Allen won an uncontested race for county clerk with 10,637 votes. County coroner Craig Morrison did likewise with 10,730 votes.
Un-challenged Sheriff Tom Jones garnered 11,466 votes. Darryl Pheasant, who faced a write-in candidate for county treasurer, won 10,796-243.