Politics & Government

Taylor, Cates, Fair, Win Primary Contests

Incumbents rule the day in Taylors, as voters shy away from the ballot booth.

Sen. Mike Fair fended off a spirited challenge from Chris Sullivan to take a step toward retaining his Senate 6 seat Tuesday night, as the incumbents in the Taylors area contests bested their challengers in a primary that saw low participation. Tommie Reece, who was kicked off the ballot last week, is planning a petition drive to get on the ballot in November to compete against Fair. 

Only 9 percent of Greenville County voters turned out to vote Tuesday, and the incumbents leaned on their constituency to lead them to victory, as County Councilman Sid Cates bested Scott Stephens 1,654 to 1,419. 

"It's been a great campaign. I certainly enjoyed getting out and meeting people and finding out the needs of this district," Stephens said. 

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Meanwhile, Bob Taylor, another incumbent on the council, overwhelmed Jenn Webb's challenge to his seat by a 2,001 to 1,319 margin. 

"You're always appreciative when your constituency re-elects you, and shows confidence that you can do a good job," Taylor said Tuesday night. 

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Taylor, who retired from Bob Jones University at the end of May, said he plans on focusing more of his energy at his county council position now as a retiree. Webb did not return phone calls Tuesday night.  

Meanwhile, in Greenville County, Tom Corbin led Amanda Somers for the District 5 seat 2,405 to 1,139, and won the Senate 5 seat by winning 3,050 to 1,616 when the Spartanburg County votes were tallied. 

Fair beat Sullivan 3,286 to 2,787. 


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