KIELHOFNER BEATS DOVER IN SCOTT COUNTY

BENTON -- Bob Kielhofner had little time to be nervous about the Scott County primary election Tuesday. He had even less time to celebrate his victory.

Kielhofner, who serves as county clerk, racked up the most votes in the presiding commissioner race in Scott County's the primary election, beating out two-term incumbent Durward Dover.

After serving nearly 24 years as county clerk, Kielhofner says he's ready for a career change. Since there are no Republicans running for the office, he is assured that his wishes will come true.

"I'm really going to miss doing this," said Kielhofner, with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. "I look at it this way: I just have to do this one more time."

Kielhofner received 5,165 votes to Dover's 2,478. Dover couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Rita Milam, who serves as Kielhofner's chief deputy clerk, will fill her boss' position in November. Milam received 3,301 votes, beating out opponents Tom Beardslee's 1,957. Robby Henley had 1,296 votes, and Shirley Tetley had 986.

Kielhofner was harried as he tended to the business of running an election, shaking hands and receiving pats on the back as he traveled between the tabulating room and his office.

"I suppose when all this is over, I'll be pretty happy," said Kielhofner, 58, of rural Scott City. "But tonight, we work."