As with much of the rest of the 3rd District in Tuesday’sRepublican runoff, Gregg Harper carried Lincoln County on his wayto winning the party’s nomination for U.S. representative.

Harper, former GOP chairman for Rankin County, captured 1,051Lincoln County votes over former state Sen. Charlie Ross, whogarnered 721 votes. Harper got 59.3 percent of the county vote to40.3 percent for Ross.

Lincoln County Republican Executive Committee Chairman ChuckNelms said he is friends with both candidates.

“We had two good choices,” Nelms said about the options onTuesday’s ballot. “As indicated by the Lincoln County vote, we werepretty much in line with the rest of the district.”

Harper will now go on to face Democrat Joel Gill, of Pickens, inthe Nov. 4 general election.

Tuesday’s participation by voters represented about a 6.9percent turnout. While low by most election standards, countyofficials were very pleased given that there was only one race onTuesday’s ballot and that it was only for Republicans.

“We’re very appreciative for the great turnout,” Nelms said.”That indicates citizens in this county were more interested in therace than a lot of people thought.”

Nelms expressed appreciation to GOP Assistant Chairman StanWinborne for his help in lining up poll workers and gettingprecincts ready for Tuesday’s election.

“Everything went very efficiently and effectively,” Nelmssaid.

Nelms and Winborne also acknowledged Circuit Clerk Terry LynnWatkins and her staff for their assistance. Watkins said Tuesday’selection went very smoothly.

“We had virtually no problems,” said Watkins, citing only a fewpaper jams with voting machines. “The poll workers did a reallygood job.”