PRESIDING COMMISSIONER OUSTED IN STODDARD COUNTY

BLOOMFIELD -- One longtime Stoddard County Democratic officeholder was defeated in his bid for a fourth term and another won handily against his Republican challenger in heavy voting Tuesday.

Norman Moore lost his quest for a fourth term as the county's presiding commissioner. Republican challenger Jerry Elder beat Moore 4,225-3,836 in a race political observers say may have been swung by veterans who threw their support to Elder late.

Moore was perceived as slow to support the location of a veterans cemetery in the county. Elder is a 26-year Air Force veteran.

Democratic County Clerk Don White retained his position for a fourth term by defeating Sanford (Sandy) Smith 5,325-2,757.

The 69-year-old Moore ran on his record of fiscal responsibility. Elder, a 57-year-old farmer and Southeast marketing professor, was making his first run at political office. He had suggested that Moore's three terms were enough and said it was time for new ideas.

Elder could not be reached for comment.

Don White, 58, was facing his first opposition in a general election since assuming the county clerkship 12 years ago.

White said the good turnout -- 42 percent of the electorate -- helped him defeat Smith.

"That gave us a little bit of edge," he said.

Forty-four-year-old Sanford Smith owns a Western wear manufacturing company in Puxico and never before had run for political office.