Walter, Schaaf win primaries for sheriff

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter scored a resounding victory tonight in the Democratic primary, defeating challenger Bobby Sullivan 2,894 to 1,752.

Sullivan, a detective with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, began campaigning with large signs place around the county several months before the primary, but was unable to overcome the incumbent Walter.

Walter will now face Republican Wes Drury, who ran unopposed for his party's nomination, in November.

Chaffee, Mo., auto mechanic Donnie Kiefer took the Democratic primary for Scott County's District 2 Commissioner, defeating Shelby "Skip" Steger. The winner will now face incumbent Ron McCormick, a Republican appointed to the seat after Jamie Burger was elected presiding commissioner in 2006.

Schaaf wins Republican primary

Incumbent Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf defeated Perryville Police Department Agt. Joe Martin by a margin of 1,636 votes in the Republican primary election.

Schaaf has been sheriff for 16 years. He'll now face Democrat Ted Christisen, who ran unopposed for his party's nomination, in November.

In other Perry County contested races: Tim Brewer won the Republican primary for District 1 County Commissioner; Jim Sutterer won the Republican primary for District 2 County Commissioner; and Charles Triller won the Republican primary for assessor.