JANESVILLE — Candidates who advanced Tuesday in the primary for Rock County Board reflected Wednesday on the coming rest of the race.
The top two vote-getters in each of the two districts that had a primary now advance to the April 2 general election.
In District 22, Mike Schwarz earned 135 votes, or 42% of ballots cast. The incumbent, Wes Davis, received 116 votes, or about 36%. Denetta Flamingo received 64 votes, or about 20%, failing to advance to the general election.
In District 27, incumbent Tom Brien came out on top with 115 votes, or about 64%. Billy Ray McCoy was second with 38 votes, or about 21%. Spencer Zimmerman received 25 votes, or about 14%, also failing to advance to the general election.
District 22
Schwarz said it was an honor to rise to the top of the pack in District 22.
“I was confident going into it because I have been talking to people and I have been listening to their concerns. I will be working hard to represent them well. It now prepares me for the next 5-6 weeks. It feels great actually,” Schwarz said.
Davis said he’s worked hard on his campaign and will continue to engage with voters to gain support in District 22.
“It comes down to hard work and getting out on the streets and getting door to door. I knew that would be the key. I’ve enjoyed meeting people, actually thousands looking over the last nine years, and I look forward to justifying their support,” Davis said. “I will say this. I know Mike. He is a hard worker. I know he is out on the streets doing the same thing.”
“I’m happy that things turned out the way they did. I’m sorry they didn’t work out for the person that didn’t make it. I think she has other opportunities and will do well,” Davis continued.
“I did my best. I wish the best to Wes and Mike,” Flamingo said.
Flamingo said she would consider running for another government office, but “my life is to help people and I don’t know what that is so I just want to continue on that journey.”
District 27
“It’s one of those things that you don’t know how it’s going to turn out and it’s good knowing that voters think I’m doing a good job,” Brien said.
McCoy said “it felt good” to get through the primary.
“I’m glad I’m on the ballot and I hope I can completely get in. I hope I can get the taxes get in. I hope we can take care of the jail because that was wrongly put on us,” McCoy said.
Zimmerman endorsed McCoy and thanked those who voted for him. He said he would consider running for county board again, but “it’s not my focus right now.”
“I just want us to focus on reducing the financial burden on the taxpayers,” Zimmerman said.
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