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Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini, like many others who run for office, had to keep looking over his shoulder. However, in his case, he had to look over both shoulders. Those concerns ended last night when Scioto County voters returned him to the office of Scioto County Sheriff.

Donini had the unenviable task of taking on two challengers at the same time. Captain Steve Goins, running on the Democratic ticket and former Portsmouth Police Chief Charles Horner running as an Independent, both with extensive law enforcement backgrounds announced they would challenge Donini for the job.

As Tuesday night went on, Donini held a slim three percent lead over his closest competitor, Goins, before Donini was able to settle on 44.41 percent of the vote, while Goins picked up 39.73 percent of the vote. Horner finished a distant third with 15.86 percent.

“It was real close until about 72 precincts were reported, and I think we ended up pulling away by about 1,400 votes,” Donini said. The actual final count was Donini, 13,305; Goins 11,905, and Horner 4,751.

“I feel relieved,” Donini said from a victorious gathering at the Scioto County Republican Party headquarters. “I’m glad the process is finished, and I’m looking forward to getting back to business to do what we have to do to run the sheriff’s office.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com