Challenger McClain on his way to Pacific County Prosecutor’s Office; Ayers headed toward another term

Former Pacific County deputy prosecutor Mark McClain is on his way to defeating his old boss, Pacific County Prosecutor David Burke.

McClain received 59 percent of the vote Tuesday night after the initial election day ballot count.

“I am truly in shock,” McClain said Tuesday night. “I could not be more humbled, and I feel so honored to have the support of the citizens of Pacific County.”

Three-term incumbent Burke received 2,591 votes, not enough to overcome McClain’s 3,746.

It wasn’t an easy race for either candidate.

While both Bruke and McClain had said they wanted to run a clean campaign, supporters on both sides lobbed criticisms, both professional and personal, into the discussion through letters to the editor published by the Chinook Observer and sent to The Daily World.

Burke ran with a Democratic Party preference, and McClain stated no party preference, though both said party affiliation would have no influence over the position’s day-to-day duties.

McClain currently is a deputy prosecutor for Lewis County. While the victory is exciting, McClain won’t have time to celebrate, he said — he was still in the office Tuesday night handling a burglary case.

He credits his success to his supporters, including law enforcement personnel, the Teamsters, the Farm Bureau and voters who crossed party lines.

“I can’t believe how many people came out and supported this campaign,” he said.

The prosecutor position is a four-year term, and McClain plans to work with Burke for a smooth transition.

“I’ll reach out to David,” McClain said. “He’s been a dedicated public servant for most of his life and I wish him the best.”

Commission Race

Also in Pacific County, incumbent Commissioner Lisa Ayers of South Bend defeated challenger Michael Hess of Raymond.

Ayers received more than 63 percent, 3,642 votes compared to 2,066 for Hess.

Though the victories are preliminary, with Pacific County receiving ballots from about 51 percent of registered voters, the leads are so large that it is unlikely McClain or Ayers will be defeated at this point.

The next vote count will be on Friday.