n 1:18 p.m.: McDonald County voters differ in sheriff’s race

Voters seemed split among the eight candidates running for sheriff in the Republican and Democratic primaries in McDonald County.

Krystin Lewis, of Pineville, said she voted for Gregg Sweeten, a Republican hopeful. She said she has known him for a while and thinks he has the character that makes him best for the job.

“I think he would be a good sheriff,” Lewis said.

Bob Mears, of rural Pineville, said he voted for Democrat Robert Evenson.

Evenson served as sheriff from 2001 to 2004 before losing his re-election bid to the current sheriff, Don Schlessman.

Mears said Evenson’s past experience as sheriff and his willingness to work with area law-enforcement departments were the reasons he won his vote.

“Before, when he was (in office), I never heard anything bad about him,” Mears said.

n 2:20 p.m.: Pittsburg residents cast votes in House race

Voters at one polling place in Pittsburg, Kan., said they favored Jim Ryun’s moral values and conservative politics over his moderate Republican opponent, Lynn Jenkins.

Both were seeking the Republican nomination for the Kansas 2nd District U.S. House post. The winner will face Democrat Nancy Boyda in the fall.

“I think he’s a little more conservative,” said Larry Fite. He and his wife, Beverly, said they voted for Ryun. “In this day and age, with all that’s going on, especially with the energy situation, we need some serious decision-making,” Larry Fite said.

Lora Selby said she voted for Ryun because his moral and religious beliefs conformed to her own.

“He believes the same way I do,” said Selby, who is retired. “In strong families, and a strong Christian background.”

At least one voter said her vote for Ryun also was meant to be a vote against Jenkins’ campaign ads, which she characterized as negative.