PULASKI COUNTY SHERIFF RACE A REMATCH OF 1986 ELECTION

PULASKI, Ill. -- The 1994 Pulaski County sheriff's race is a rematch of the 1986 election -- Democrat Gene Dixon opposes Republican Russell E. "Rusty" Dakin.

But, there is a difference.

Eight years ago, Dakin was incumbent sheriff and was facing the challenge of Dixon. This time around, on Nov. 8, Dixon is the incumbent, seeking his third term, and Dakin is the challenger.

The sheriff's race is one of four local races on the Pulaski County ballot.

In other races, Democrat Bonita "Kerr" Hancock faces Republican Robert L. "Rob" Moore in the race for county treasurer; Democrat Kay Blanchard faces Republican Randy George to fill an unexpired two-year term for circuit clerk; and four candidates, Democrats John E. Price and Eddie C. "Chase" Madison and Republicans Jerry P. Thursday and Travis H. Rose Jr., are running for two vacancies for commissioner.

Dakin served eight years as sheriff, from 1978 to 1986, when he lost to Dixon, by about 300 votes.

"This will be my last term," said Dixon, who has been in law enforcement work almost 40 years. "If elected this time, I'll be looking at retirement in 1996."

Dixon previously served as police chief at Mounds and Mounds City, and served as a Pulaski County deputy.

Pulaski County voters will vote in 14 precincts, including three in Mounds and two in Mounds City. Other precincts include America, Grand Chain, Karnak, Olmsted, Perks, Pulaski, Ullin, Villa Ridge and Wetaug.