Benton, Carlson, Rooney, Radabaugh Win

Highlands County will have a new commissioner and a new district judge, voters decided Tuesday.

Republicans also nominated their contestant in the District 16 congressional race against Tim Mahoney, and Democrats overwhelmingly chose incumbent Susan Benton to meet Republican Ron Grimming in the Nov. 4 sheriff's race. Grimming is the former Illinois State Police assistant director, and for five years he commanded the Florida Highway Patrol.

Benton's race with Avon Park Police Commander Mike Rowan was the only runaway contest. The incumbent won by 76 percent to 23 percent of the vote.

The rest were all close, with Tequestra attorney Tom Rooney edging State Rep. Gayle Harrell by 37 percent to 36 percent. Hal Valeche, a Palm Beach Gardens city councilman, trailed the pack with 27 percent.

Carlson, a Sebring CPA, beat three-term incumbent Andrew Jackson by 255 votes, or 4 percent of the 5,619 ballots cast.

Finally, Lakeland attorney Radabaugh will be the next district judge, winning the office over White, a Bartow lawyer, by a 10-point margin.

Congressional District 16

Republican Nominee

Gayle HarrellTom RooneyHal Valeche

2,2052,1021,504Highlands total

19,60320,60815,896District total

Circuit Court Judge

John RadabaughNathaniel White

4,9534,088Highlands total

32,27027,140District 10 total

Highlands County Sheriff

Democratic Nominee

Susan BentonMichael Rowan

3,059933

Commissioner District 3

Democratic Nominee

Bruce BorkoskyJeri Canale

1,8891,897

Commissioner District 3

Republican Nominee

Jeff CarlsonAndrew Jackson

2,9372,682