TRAVERSE CITY — An election worker told incumbent Leelanau County Commissioner Jean Watkoski she'd lost her bid for re-election.
But the bad news was premature, and Watkoski won after a count of absentee votes.
The roller coaster ride for Watkoski symbolized of a tumultuous night in Leelanau County Republican politics and primary races for the Board of Commissioners. Incumbent James A. Schaub Sr. was ousted by challenger Debra Rushton in the District #2 Republican primary.
Rushton tallied 378 votes to Schaub's 300.
Another longtime figure in county politics, Robert Hawley, appeared on his way to victory in a crowded Republican primary in District #6. With 11 of 17 precincts reporting, Hawley had a commanding lead over challengers Bill Irwin, Clayton Ball and Karen Paulus.
Hawley previously served eight years as a commissioner and six years as board chairman. If his lead held late Tuesday, he'd earn the right to face Democrat Carolyn Rentenbach in the general election.
The countywide request for renewal of 0.5 mills for two years to fund road maintenance seemed destined for approval by county voters. With 11 of 17 precincts reporting, there were 3,260 yes votes and 945 no votes.
The most interesting story line of the night, though, belonged to Watkoski. She stopped by Elmwood Township offices early Tuesday evening to see how the election was going and an election worker told her she'd lost to challenger Stan Kochnerkavich by nine votes in District 1.
But when Watkoski returned home, a message on her answering machine explained the prior estimate was wrong.
Instead, she'd won.
"One of the precinct workers said they hadn't counted the absentee ballots, and when they counted them, I'd actually won," she said. "I'd come home with a heavy heart, let me tell you."
Watkoski, an incumbent commissioner since 1997, beat Kochnerkavich by a vote count of 153 to 98. No Democrat filed to run in the general election, meaning Watkoski will be returning to the Board of Commissioners barring a challenge from a write-in candidate.
Election 2012
Upsets near and not in Leelanau
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Funding issues leave Division's fate unknown
Fixing the crowded and sometimes dangerous Division Street traffic corridor will take years and no one knows yet how the project will be funded, Michigan's top transportation official said.
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McDowell concedes race to Benishek
Democrat Gary McDowell has conceded his close race for Congress against Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek to serve northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
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Unofficial Antrim voting totals online
Antrim County unofficial voting totals were still being updated on Wednesday, but are now accurate and complete, said election officials there.
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State election results online
Full, unofficial 2012 Michigan General Election Results can be found online at http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/12GEN/.
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Voters were driven by issues
Aside from the customary elation and disappointment following a presidential campaign, area voters said they'd really like to see politicians spend less and solve more.
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School millage failure puts plans in limbo
Many improvement plans at the region's largest school district are in limbo after voters rejected a $100 million tax increase.
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Recount possible in House race
Michigan's 1st Congressional District may go to a recount to determine if incumbent Republican Dan Benishek's victory will hold.
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Franz wins by 1,030 votes
Voters in Benzie and Leelanau counties played a critical role in reelecting conservative Republican Ray Franz to the Michigan House of Representatives, vote tallies show.
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Weaver, Bishop claim open seats on NMC board
The second time for Kennard Weaver was the charm.
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MacMaster easily wins reelection
Republican Greg MacMaster handily defeated Democratic opponent William Wieske in the race for state representative in Michigan's 105th District.
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General election roundup
Editor's note: Final, unofficial results from the Nov. 6 general election.
Continued ... - Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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McDowell hasn't conceded congressional race
Former state Rep. Gary McDowell has not conceded his race for the 1st Congressional District and will wait for county boards of canvassers to certify election results before determining his next step.
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Weaver wins spot on NMC board
Kennard Weaver ousted a long-time trustee on the board of Northwestern Michigan College to claim one of two openings.
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GT County Commission all Republican now
The lone Democrat on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners is out of a job.
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Benishek won by less than 1 percent
Incumbent Republican Dan Benishek edged Democratic challenger Gary McDowell by less than 1 percent to win a second term representing the 1st Congressional District.
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Rendon takes 103rd state House seat
Campaign staffers for newcomer Democrat Lon Johnson has said that he lost his bid for the 103rd State House District seat to incumbent Lake City businessman and Republican Bruce R. Rendon.
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Voters appear to favor Division Street plan
City voters appeared to favor a proposal to give the state and city the go-ahead to come up with plans to make dangerous, busy Division Street safer for drivers and pedestrians.
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Grand Traverse, Benzie voters pick probate judges
Two local counties will have new probate judges.
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Three-way race for NMC trustees still open
A three-way race for two seats on the Northwestern College Board was too close to call at press time.
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2 incumbents retain seats on Leelanau County board
Two incumbents on the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners won re-election.
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County board incumbents hold leads
Voters likely will return three incumbents to the Grand Traverse County board and a fourth race was too close to call early today.
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Dems look to narrow gap in House
All 110 seats in the Michigan House were up for grabs Tuesday, with Democrats looking to narrow the gap with the Republican majority that took over of the chamber just two years ago.
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Appel wins TCAPS board seat
Gary Appel appeared to cruise to re-election to the Traverse School Board.
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Franz ahead in 101st District of Michigan House
Republican Ray Franz held a lead against his Democratic opponent in the race for the Michigan House of Representatives' 101st District.
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Michigan shoots down propositions
Michigan voters say they don't need to weigh in on whether new bridges or tunnels are built between their state and Canada.
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