A crowd of more than 200 spectators gathered in Damon's Grill Tuesday night with their attention focused on four big-screen televisions tuned to CNN. The scene reflected a Superbowl atmosphere more than an election night with comfort food, alcoholic beverages and noisy cheering filling the restaurant. Despite a large turnout at the Republican event, the night was a battle for the party as a whole.
Judge Feick for Delaware County Circuit Court 4 was reelected to his position after a close race with democratic candidate Diane Frye. Supporters of Feick turned out in large numbers and cheered him on throughout the evening. Campaign worker Terri Robinson was in tears when Feick's victory was announced. She said the strategy in Feick's campaign was teamwork. Robinson said members from both parties, including democratic judges and candidates, turned out to help Feick.
Democratic campaign worker Daniel Hahn said he disregarded party lines to help Feick's cause because of his continued justice in Delaware County.
"Judge Feick is a good family man, an honest man and he doesn't play politics," Hahn said. "That's really important to us."
Not all Republican candidates were as fortunate as Feick. County Commissioner candidates Bob Wilson from district 1 and Tom Bennington from district 2 witnessed their losses among friends at Damon's. Bennington said he was disappointed and surprised by the results.
"That's the way the process goes," Bennington said. He served in the position as commissioner for four years and said at the age of 71, it was time to move on.
Bob Wilson's son Dave Wilson said it was hard for Republican candidates to compete with Delaware County residents voting straight tickets down party lines.
"He would have brought experience and integrity to the table," Dave Wilson said. "He has what's best for the community at heart."
With Wilson and Bennington out of their positions, the County Board of Commissioners will be made up entirely of Democrats.
Ted Baker, state representative candidate from district 34, lost his race as well, despite campaigning efforts. Baker said he visited voters at Northside Middle School three times Tuesday. He said he was impressed with Ball State University's student turnout and knows young people want to have their voices heard.
"I hate to lose, but realistically I knew it was going to be a tough battle," Baker said. "A lack of interest in local elections hurt us this year. Delaware County split their ballots but the city of Muncie didn't, and that hurt my campaign. We got overshadowed by the state and national levels."
Baker said although he lost, he felt good about being the toughest competition Dennis Tyler has had in the past three elections.
Kaye Whitehead, head of the Muncie Republican Party, said she was surprised at how the party tickets had split this election and was disappointed with the lack of balance between parties.
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