CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - A longtime incumbent and a political newcomer are on their way to a showdown over who will represent the 57th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
John Doyle and Elliot Simon were the top votegetters in Tuesday's primary election, according to complete, but unofficial, election results from Jefferson County.
In the Democratic race, Doyle, the incumbent, led challenger Lori Rea almost 2-1. Doyle received 1,070 votes and Rea, executive director of the Gateway New Economy Council, received 586.
In the Republican race, Simon received 373 votes, compared to 203 for Donny Jones when all 32 precincts in the county reported by 9 p.m.
Voter turnout was less than 14 percent.
"I'm gratified that the voters once again expressed their confidence in me," Doyle said when reached by telephone.
For Doyle, 68, of Mecklenburg Heights in Shepherdstown, Tuesday's primary win was one of the harder campaigns he's worked since 2004 when he beat Bob Tabb by only three votes.
