Walker cruises to victory

Published Thursday, March 6, 2008

By Brian Knox

Wise County Sheriff David Walker easily won re-election Tuesday in his Republican primary race with David Allen.

Walker took a commanding lead from the beginning as early vote totals showed Walker gathering 81.6 percent of the vote. Walker received 1,239 early votes compared to 279 for Allen.

Election day totals showed the trend continuing, with Walker receiving 77.5 percent of the vote. In the end, Walker defeated Allen by a vote of 4,313 to 1,167.

Walker was quick to praise his staff at the sheriff's office for the success.

"I'm just one person. Our whole team makes us a success," he said.

Of his opponent, Walker said, "David led a decent campaign like he did last time."

Walker will not face a Democratic opponent in the November general election.

Allen, who lost to Walker in the 2004 Republican primary by a similar margin, said he felt he was able to do more during this campaign.

"I think we got a lot more done. I was able to make more personal contact with people," he said.

He wondered if having an opponent with the same first name might have led to a few mix-ups in the voting booth.

Despite the loss, Allen said he hoped he was able to raise a few issues that need to be addressed, particularly with drug use.

"There is a major drug problem in Wise County, and that needs to be addressed," he said.

Allen said he would not rule out another run for sheriff in the future.

"Right now it's not totally out of the question. I'll just have to wait and see," he said.