Incumbents keep legislative seats

SANDPOINT — The national buzzword throughout this election season was change, but evidently someone forgot to District 1 and 2 legislators, all of whom kept their seats.

The easiest race to call was that of District 1 Sen. Shawn Keough, who ran unopposed, collecting 15,322 votes in the process.

"I'm honored to have been reelected, even though my opponent withdrew. I appreciated everyone's vote. It was a nice vote of confidence," Keough said.

In a much tighter race, incumbent District 1, position A Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, edged out his opponent, Sandpoint's Steve Elgar, by 1,626 votes. Anderson earned 10,030 votes to Elgar's 8,404.

Even after the loss, Elgar insisted he is not disappointed by the results.

"I think we have a solid Republican group of people around here. They voted for Republicans. Apparently they must like chemicals in their lake and they like the influence of special interests on their legislators," Elgar said.

District 1, position B Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, took an early and decisive lead on his opponent, Tom Hollingsworth of Bonners Ferry, and never looked back in route to a relatively easy victory. Eskridge collected 11,651 votes to Hollingsworth 6,494.

"I feel really good and I appreciate the support of everybody. It makes me think I'm doing OK in terms of doing my job for the district," Eskridge said.

Eskridge also dispelled rumors that this would be his last election, saying he plans to keep his seat as long as voters decide he is doing a good job.

After a hard-fought campaign, Hollingsworth said he will continue to work toward strengthening his community, but will not run for political office again.

"I figure the voters made their decision and I'm perfectly happy with their decision," Hollingsworth said. "I called George Eskridge this morning and congratulated him on his victory and wished him good luck in the next session, which will be a very difficult session."

In the most lopsided race of the night, District 2 Sen. Joyce, R-Sagle, bested her challenger, Rand Lewis, by 5,556 votes. Broadsword won 10,474 votes to Lewis' 4,919.

Although she was confident in her chances, Broadsword said she was surprised by the large margin of victory.

"I was really pleased that I took every precinct in Shoshone County, the Democratic stronghold in my district. I had hoped to do well, but I was surprised to do as well as I did," Broadsword said.

Anderson were unavailable for comment.