State Senate District 10 Voting "Very Light"
posted October 5, 2007
Democrat Andy Berke and Republican Oscar Brock wrapped up wins in the District 10 state Senate race in voting Thursday in part of Hamilton County and all of Marion County.
Democrat:
Andy Berke 3,732
John Wolfe 1,689
Ken Jordan 1,187
Lee C. Whitaker 494
Republican
Oscar Brock 1,739
Mark Albertini 114
Oscar Brown 94
Travis Layne 84
Basil Marceaux 10
Hamilton County
Democrat:
Andy Berke 2,915 55.88%
John Wolfe 1,279 24.52%
Lee C. Whitaker 447 8.57%
Write-in Votes 10 0.19%
Republican:
Oscar Brock 1,327 87.82%
Mark Albertini 86 5.69%
Oscar Brown 56 3.71%
Travis Layne 27 1.79%
Basil Marceaux 10 0.66%
Write-in Votes 5 0.33%
Marion County:
Democrat:
Andy Berke 705 43%
Ken Jordan 603 36%
John Wolfe 320 19%
Lee C. Whitaker 31 2%
Republican:
Oscar Brock 330 75%
Travis Layne 55 13%
Oscar Brown 35 8%
Mark Albertini 21 5%
Basil Marceaux 0 0%
Voting was "very light" in the balloting to choose Democratic and Republican candidates for the Nov. 15 general election to replace Ward Crutchfield as state senator.
Voting was also extremely light during early voting with just 2,704 in Hamilton County and 724 in Marion County casting ballots.
There are 77,010 registered voters in the district in Hamilton County, but only 6,239 took part in the election.
Mr. Wolfe, a Chattanooga attorney and veteran of several campaigns, said, "I congratulate Mr. Berke. He ran a good campaign. He was well financed. He was able to draw a lot of money from people from both parties and it paid off."
Mr. Wolfe said he was disappointed that the election result "was the opinion of just one of about every 12 Democrat. It was not a representative turnout. But Mr. Berke should be congratulated."
He added, "I should have done a better job of getting my people to the polls."
Mr. Brock, son of former U.S. Sen. Bill Brock, gave this victory speech at his campaign headquarters on McCallie Avenue:
"Friends and Family,
"Thank you all for being here tonight and sharing in this wonderful moment. I humbly stand before you tonight and proudly accept the Republican nomination for the State Senate District 10 Special Election.
"I want to congratulate all of the other candidates for participating in the electoral process. A good government has many participants and I am glad we had a good crop of candidates to choose from. I also congratulate Andy Berke for his victory tonight. I look forward to a spirited debate about the how we can build better communities in the 10th District.
"In 1962, my dad made history and won in a Democratic controlled district. Well, here we are 45 years later. With a good pair of shoes, the good Lord on my side, a willingness to make a difference, a message that builds people up instead of tearing them down, a wonderful, forgiving wife by my side, 2 great daughters that make their daddy proud, and maybe a little bit of luck, we are going to win again on November 15, 2007.
"There are five reasons why I am running for the state Senate.
"First, education.
"Second, healthcare.
"Third, jobs.
"Fourth, ethics.
"Fifth, bi-partisanship.
"We can make a positive difference in all of these areas. I ask you to join me in making that difference.
"I can’t win this election without your help. I need you to host a coffee, go door-to-door, make phone calls, or take a friend to vote with you. I need your prayers.
"Most importantly, I need your vote. This election is too important to stand on the sidelines. Thank you again for being here tonight. This is just the beginning so stay tuned and make sure your vote is counted on November 15. Good night and God bless."
Mr. Albertini, who ran previously for governor, said he is grateful for those who voted for him in the primary. “I count it an honor that those of you who chose me to lead you and represent you in the affairs of our state government showed your support by voting for me.
"To those of you who contributed to my campaign, I am grateful. I count it a privilege to be able to run for office in this most blessed of all nations. God Himself has so richly blessed us with the fruits of His bountiful hand. Although I did not win the primary, I know God has a better purpose for me and I trust Him for this.
"I did call Mr. Brock and congratulate him for his victory. I will now support Mr. Brock in his efforts to win the District 10 Senate seat in any way I can. I urge those who voted for me to place your support behind Mr. Brock to work to put this seat in Republican control. I urge you to give with your time, your money and your vote.
"Even though the turnout was low, Republicans can win this seat if we all pitch in. Mr. Brock cannot do it by himself. Let’s join together to make Mr. Brock the winner on Nov. 15.”
Democrat Berke, a Chattanooga attorney, was by far the biggest fundraiser. Mr. Brock, Lookout Mountain realtor and developer, led the GOP in funds.
Early voting for the general election is Oct. 26-Nov. 10.
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