TWO PULASKI INCUMBENTS ARE DEFEATED

MOUND CITY, Ill. -- Two incumbents were losers in closely contested races in Pulaski County Tuesday.

Ned J. Gunn, a Republican challenger for county commissioner, had to wait until the final precinct was counted before claiming victory over incumbent Democrat Sam Johnson.

With 12 of 14 precincts counted, Gunn led by 15 ballots. When the final two precincts reported in, Gunn emerged the victor by 40 votes, 1,715 to 1,675.

In other contested races in Pulaski County, Republican County Clerk Ruth (Miller) Davis survived a challenge from Democrat George R. Modglin to win by 153 votes, 1,825 to 1,682. It wasn't until the final two precincts were counted that Davis was assured the victory.

Republican Ward Walshon, who has served as state's attorney eight years, lost to Patrick Duffy of Cobden by more than 600 votes. Duffy collected 2,054 votes while the incumbent had 1,442 votes.

With all ballots in, Pulaski and Union county voters approved funding for 9-1-1 telephone systems. Pulaski voters approved a surcharge of up to $3 by an almost 2-to-1 count, 1,719 to 957. The vote was closer in Union, where voters approved a surcharge of up to $2.50 by almost 500 votes, 4,235 to 3,752.

Voters in Union County soundly defeated a proposal to issue $365,000 in bonds for paying an outstanding and unpaid teachers' order. The final vote was 3,030 against and 2,261 for.

There were no local races in Union and Alexander counties.