As expected, Steve Gladney held off Charles Sanders for the runoff spot opposite Dolph Bryan for the Oktibbeha County Sheriff Democratic nomination.
Bryan has enjoyed stellar success in the primary race since becoming sheriff in 1976. He”s gone to a runoff just two other times — the first in 1976 and the last against Sanders four years ago.
Gladney, though, buoyed by his success in the four-candidate field, is new to the election trail.
His strategy is face time, hoping to meet as many new people as possible. He”s won support, he believes, mainly by championing his 30 years of law-enforcement experience.
Still, to beat the veteran incumbent with more years of experience as sheriff, Gladney will have to convince the other 2,300 “new voters” to both show up and believe he can do a better job than Bryan.
Gladney, however, doesn”t think Bryan has under-performed as sheriff. When asked about what he”d do differently to curb the county”s drug problem in the county, he simply said he”d “do the best he can.”
“Dolph has (crime) problems just like anyone else,” Gladney said. “You”re gonna always have crime and drugs. It”s an ongoing thing every year.”
Bryan”s campaign is based on experience, as well. He feels he has an edge over Gladney because his time has been spent with the sheriff”s department, which he says is more relevant.
“That”s all I”ve done for 35 years,” Bryan said. “I”m not coming from being a Memphis firefighter trying to be Oktibbeha County sheriff. I”m not coming from the highway patrol trying to be sheriff. I haven”t left and come back. I”m running on my record.”
The final vote tally, including absentee and affidavit ballots, saw Bryan claim 2,060 votes to Gladney”s 1,360. Sanders had 1,303.
Bryan said he was surprised the numbers were close but doesn”t think his support has diminished. He”s confident with the lead he”ll carry into the runoff on Aug. 23.
“I”ve never run against this many people,” Bryan said, “so this is kind of a new ball game for me. But my approach doesn”t change; I”m still out talking to people and taking out ads. My biggest asset, though, is I try to do a good job every day I”m at work.”
The winner of the Democratic primary will move on to face unopposed Republican candidate Rudy Johnson.
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