Kinskey moves forward, Tass defeated

State Senator Dave Kinskey, who represents Sheridan and Johnson counties, moved on to the November general elections in Tuesday night’s Republican primaries.

Kinskey ran unopposed on the Republican ballot, but 30 write-ins on the Democratic ballot in Sheridan County could mean he’ll face a challenge from that party in November. Nothing will be decided until votes are canvassed Thursday.

In the Republican race for State Representative District 40, challenger Barry Crago defeated incumbent Richard Tass in both Sheridan and Johnson counties. Only two write-ins appeared on the Democratic ballot, meaning Crago’s name will appear alone on the ballot in November.

In the remaining three races for state representatives in Sheridan County, all three Republican incumbents will advance to the November general elections.

Mark Kinner defeated challenger Ken Pendergraft in District 29, Mark Jennings won over John Heyneman in District 30, and Cyrus Western defeated Dennis Fox in District 51.

There were no Democratic candidates on the ballots in any of the districts, but 35 write-in votes were cast in District 29, 39 in District 30, and 56 in District 51.

According to Sheridan County Clerk Eda Schunk Thompson, a write-in candidate must receive a certain percentage of votes in order for his or her name to be listed on the November ballot, and the individual must accept the nomination.