Purcell enjoys sizable lead in Cape Girardeau County commission race

With over half the precincts reporting in Cape Girardeau County, incumbent Republican county commissioner Jay Purcell has a sizable lead over independent challenger Rock Finch in the race for 2nd District commissioner.

With 26 of the county's 35 precincts in, Purcell leads Finch 8,685 to 6,672, making Purcell a sure winner of re-election.

Purcell ran a campaign portraying himself as a populist outsider taking on the "good old boy" network. The race was colored by Purcell's lawsuit against the county commission alleging a violation of the state's open records and meetings law. Meanwhile Finch portrayed himself as a candidate that would bring respect back to county government if elected.

In the race for the county's 1st District commission seat, Republican Paul Koeper is the sure winner over Democrat Marvin McMillan, leading 10,132 to 3,533.

For more on these races and other local races, check back at semissourian.com or read Wednesday's print edition.