In a Tuesday runoff for a chance to represent District Three onthe Lincoln County Election Commission, Barbara Davis scored a321-296 victory over Rachel Cole Gatlin in a contest that manyexpected would hinge on turnout.

“I am excited and look forward to serving as District Three’s nextelection commissioner,” said Davis. “I promise to work hard to havethe voter registration lists purged and to provide honest, fairelections in the six precincts in District Three.”

Neither Davis nor Gatlin – both Republicans – captured a majorityin a four-candidate race on Nov. 2, which forced Tuesday’s runoff.The special election was needed following the death of Bennon Casein June.

After Tuesday’s results were announced around 8:45 p.m. at thegovernment complex, Gatlin wished Davis the best and said she wouldbe available to help at the polls during future elections. Gatlinwas not surprised at how the race carried out.

“It was close like I figured it would be,” Gatlin said. “I think itwas a great race.”

In a contest that was viewed by some as a city versus countyaffair, with Davis from Brookhaven and Gatlin from Ruth, resultstended to bear out that speculation.

Davis ran strongest in the city precincts of City Hall and OleBrook, while Gatlin got most of her votes in the Ruth andEnterprise precincts. Two votes separated the candidates in theBogue Chitto precinct and four votes was the margin atNorfield.

Davis expressed thanks to those who supported her and offeredencouragement during the campaign.

“I would also like to thank all registered voters that got outtoday – you have taken the opportunity that few people in the worldhave the privilege of – to vote for who and what you believe in,”she said. “Each of you have my utmost respect.”

Gatlin expressed similar comments to her supporters. She saidTuesday’s turnout was disappointing overall, but she was thankfulfor those who got out to cast ballots.

“People need to take every opportunity to vote, no matter what it’sfor,” Gatlin said.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Terry Lynn Watkins also said theturnout was disappointing but not unexpected. She attributed thatto typical turnout letdown for a runoff, less than ideal weatherTuesday and the fact this is Thanksgiving week.

“When kids are out of school, so many people go out of town,”Watkins said.

Watkins also was not surprised at the closeness of Tuesday’s race,saying that Davis and Gatlin are both well-liked candidates.

“This race really was a toss-up,” Watkins said.