Published: May 06, 2008 11:51 pm         

District 2 Commissioner: Anderson cruises in bid for third term

TERRE HAUTE — Incumbent Judy Anderson defeated challengers Jim Bramble and Larry W. Davison in the Democratic primary for Vigo County Commissioner District 2.

In unofficial results with all precincts counted, Anderson received 12,621 votes, Bramble, 8,635; and Davison, 3,677.

No candidates ran on the Republican ticket.

Anderson, 67, is seeking her third term as county commissioner.

Anderson, celebrating at the Paradise Pavilion in West Terre Haute, said she had two good opponents.

“I feel really good about the win,” she said. “I’m also happy the way the election went and the fact we had so many newly registered voters. It showed one more time the people rule, the people are interested.”

For the past eight years, “I’ve tried to do what I thought was good for Vigo County and the people,” Anderson said. Voters on Tuesday indicated they approve of the job she’s done, she said.

Bramble, 54, has served as county auditor for nine years. Under state law, the auditor is limited to two consecutive terms, so he decided to run for commissioner. He said he enjoys public service.

“All three candidates ran a good race,” Bramble said. “I’m disappointed with the results, but they are what they are and I congratulate her on her victory.”

With the primary over, “I’ll put all the effort I can in the remaining months left in the auditor’s office. When that’s done, I’ll get back to working full time in my accounting practice and title/abstract business,” Bramble said.

It’s been “an honor” to serve as auditor the past nine years, Bramble said.

Davison, 59, owns Davison Service and Equipment Co. in Shirkieville.

“Voters have spoken,” Davison said. It appears “they want to keep things as usual.”

Davison said he will keep watching how commissioners conduct business and he will consider running again in four years.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or

sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.