The race for Lincoln County School Districtsuperintendent ended Tuesday night in victory for incumbent TerryBrister.

    Brister defeated challenger Donald Case in the Democratic primaryrunoff, and will begin his third term in the education leadershipposition without having to face a candidate from another party inNovember’s general election.

    “I’m thankful for the people who voted to get me here again,”Brister said. “And I promise to work hard at each and everyschool.”

    Brister and Case fought hard against each other for the positionduring the campaign season, and Case surprised some when he sentthe race into a runoff after the Aug. 2 primary.

    “I think it’s the voice of the people coming out,” Brister said.”They want another term from me, and I’m going to give it tothem.”

    According to Tuesday’s unofficial reports from the Lincoln Countycircuit clerk’s office, Brister received 2,325 votes, which amountsto 56.43 percent, and Case received 1,788 votes, or 43.40percent.

    The race became heated in recent weeks as Case raised concerns inhis newspaper ads about campaign tactics allegedly used by Bristerand his supporters over a meeting held at the Loyd Star FireStation.

    Case accepted the defeat and the voice of the people, and said heis mulling over the thought of leaving the educationprofession.

    “The people have spoken, and they want to keep Mr. Brister inthere,” he said. “And I accept that. I’ve got 36 years of teaching,and I’m considering retirement at this time.”