SOUTHERN ILLINOIS RESULTS ARE FINALIZED

CAIRO, Ill. -- Charles "Chuck" Bonifield led the balloting in Tuesday's race for county commissioner in Alexander County. He had campaigned for restoration of the Alexander County Ambulance Service, more jobs for all citizens, a federal flood insurance feasibility study, and better communications between county officials and the public.

Bonifield, of Miller City, collected 1,435 votes to lead six other Democrats in the battle for two berths for the general election.

Finishing second on the list was incumbent Louis Maze, with 1,073 votes, 25 more than third-place finisher, incumbent C. E. "Gene" Farris, with 1,048 votes. Other candidates and votes were James R. Wissinger, 980; Jack Sneed, 312; William "Bill" Miller, 300; and George Schultz, 155.

Bonifield and Maze will join Republican Joseph Thurston on the general election ballot where two will be elected. Thurston was unopposed.

In the only other Alexander County race Tuesday, incumbent sheriff Warren "Buddy" Mitchell won the Democratic berth, collecting 1,668 votes, over 400 more than runnerup Harold McNelly of Thebes, with 1,208 votes. Finishing third in the balloting was John Grayson of Unity with 334.

Mitchell will oppose Republican John L. Abercrombie for sheriff in the general election.

Incumbent Sheriff Robin A. Dillon of Anna was defeated in the Union County Democratic primary Tuesday, losing to challenger Harlen Coffman of Jonesboro, 2,418 to 1,727. Coffman will face Republican Roy E. Walker of Dongola in the general election.

Wayne "Doc" Manus won the nomination for Position A in the Union County commissioner's race, defeating Darryl Harvell, 1,963 to 1,899.

Incumbents were winners in Pulaski County. Incumbent sheriff Gene Dixon defeated Lloyd Bosecker for the Democratic bid, and will face Republican Russell Dakin, a former Pulaski County Sheriff in the general election. Dakin won over Deon Peck in the Republican primary, 491 to 426.

Circuit Clerk Randy George, an incumbent, won the primary over his challenger, LaVerne Anderson, by a count of 521-437.

In the race for Pulaski County Commissioner, Democrats John Price and Eddie Chase Madison will be on the general election ballot. Price led the ballot with 588 votes and Chase finished with 567.

Other Democratic commissioner candidates Tuesday and their votes, were Dallas Jackson, 480 votes; Curtis Marshall, 391; Gary J. Stevens, 167; and Delbert Wayne Kerley, 90.

In the Republican primary, Jerry P. Thurston and incumbent Travis Rose Jr., won general election berths, with 649 and 566 votes respectively. Republican Craig Rose finished with 274 votes.

For Pulaski County treasurer, Venita Hancock won the Democratic nomination with 921 votes to Carl Meyer's 254.