Carpenter, George win handily

A pair of Roosevelt County Republicans took landslide wins in Tuesday primaries.

County Clerk candidate Donna Carpenter took 70 percent of the vote in her race against Nancy Gentry, taking 911 votes to Gentry's 383.

Alisa Boswell: Portales News-Triube

Republican candidates for Roosevelt County's county clerk and probate judge positions, Donna Carpenter, left, nd Barbara George, celebrate their victories with a hug Tuesday evening in the Roosevelt County Courthouse. Both earned close to 70 percent of the vote.

Barbara George, the current probate judge, cruised as well with 68.7 percent of the vote, taking 878 votes against opponent Lori Bohm's 398 votes.

Nobody ran for either position in the Democratic primary.

George and Carpenter embraced Tuesday evening in the Roosevelt County Courthouse after final voting numbers were distributed. Both women expressed how happy they were with the county's election results.

"I'm very grateful to everyone who voted for me," said George. "I'm looking forward to serving all the people of Roosevelt County again."

Bohm, a local real estate company owner, said she thought the election went well and is not surprised with the results.

"(George) is doing a great job and she'll continue to do a great job," said Bohm about her opponent.

Carpenter has worked in the county clerk's office for eight years.

"It feels wonderful and I'm thrilled for the opportunity to be able to (serve)," Carpenter said. "The race was fun, stressful and an emotional roller coaster."

During a post-victory interview, Carpenter repeatedly had to field phone calls of congratulations.

"I want to thank the people of Roosevelt County and all my friends for their support," Carpenter said. "I thank them for their prayers."

Gentry could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Roosevelt County has 7,788 registered Democratic and Republican voters. The turnout was 23 percent, compared to a 26 percent turnout in the 2008 primary election.