photo by Marcus Frazier

Seventh Judicial District Attorney-elect Brad Burget, wife Heather, and nieces Sela, 13, and Anna Bet Roberts, 16, celebrate after seeing the final election numbers Saturday evening at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

Burget elected as D.A., Johnson wins re-election

By Vershal Hogan (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, October 5, 2008

VIDALIA — The Seventh Judicial District resoundingly re-elected Judge Kathy Johnson, while district attorney candidate Brad Burget received enough of the vote to win the election outright.

District Attorney

In unofficial results, Burget received 5,046 votes, or 54.31 percent of the vote, while challenger Ronnie McMillin received 3,070 votes — 33.04 percent — and Andy Magoun received 1,175 votes, or 12.65 percent of the total vote.

Burget thanked his family, especially his wife, son, nieces and parents, as well as his friends and other supporters for standing behind him.

“I am glad all my voters got out today and voted,” he said.

“I am grateful that the people of (Concordia and Catahoula) parishes have honored me with this position.”

With the campaign now behind him, Burget said he would like to go back to criminal prosecution in the months leading up to his transition into office if he can.

“There are a few cases that are still open, a few things that need to be tied up,” he said. “I’m ready to go to work.”

McMillin thanked all of those who supported his campaign and said he had no regrets.

“I want my supporters to know I am fine ,and I have the satisfaction of standing up and fighting to the last draw,” he said. “I look forward to the blessings God has for the rest of my life, and we will see what I will do starting tomorrow.”

Magoun said he was disappointed with the results, but he congratulated both of his opponents for a good campaign.

“Things got a little dicey over the last three weeks, but that’s politics,” he said. “I want to congratulate Brad, and I wish him the best.”

Division A Judge

Johnson faced a challenge from Harrisonburg attorney John Reeves. She was re-elected to the division “A” seat with 5,830 votes, or 62.26 percent of the vote.

Reeves received 3,534 votes.

Justice Court and Constable races

In Concordia Parish’s local district races:

4For District 1 justice of the peace, Justin L. Conner was elected with 659 votes. His challenger, Glen Petty, received 579 votes.

4For District 2 justice of the Peace, Frank Duson was elected with 278 votes to the 120 votes Lee Staggs received.

4For District 3 Justice of the race, Russell Wagoner and Craig L. Guillory are in a run-off. Wagoner received 45.66 percent of the vote and Guillory received 36.89 percent.

A third candidate, Juanita G. Irvin, received 17.44 percent of the vote.

4 For District 1 constable, Rosa W. Elaine was elected with a total of 657 votes, while her challenger, Charlie Quimby, received 554 votes.

4For District 2 constable, Rickey Hollins was elected with 254 votes, while James Royce White received 158 votes.

4 For District 3 constable, Susan Rabb was elected over Earl Cotton. Rabb received 652 votes, and Cotton received 432.

4For District 4 constable, Ferris “Bull” Durham won with 433 votes, while George Sewell received 423.