Eckstrom, Gunter Retain Seats

Lexington County Register of Deeds Debra Gunter, and County Treasurer Jim Eckstrom, managed to beat back challenges and retain their seats in Tuesday's party primary.

Neither GOP incumbent faces a Democratic challenge in November, virtually assuring them their seats.

In unofficial results, Gunter beat rival and political newcomer  with more than 66 percent of the vote in a rare challenge to her seat. 

In the Treasurer's race, Eckstrom beat Lexington County Council chairman Bill Banning, Sr., with slightly more than 67 percent of the vote, also based on unofficial results.

Eckstrom, who noted he received "a very gracious" call from Banning conceding defeat, said, "I and my family are honored by the support and trust of the taxpayers of Lexington County."

Eckstrom said he would continue to build on what he started in his first term: "Savings and efficiency ... cut down on spending and put taxpayers first."

As for Banning? "The people spoke, and they decided to keep Mr. Eckstrom, and Jim is a good man," he told Patch.

Gunter, who was celebrating at Wild Wings in Columbia, did not return a phone call seeking comment, but her opponent was congratulatory and said that even though he lost, he hopes that "will be taken to heart."

"That's my main thing; I hope that some of the issues that were raised, she will look at them real strongly, and for the long-term betterment of the office — that's the biggest thing," said Gregory. "I don't consider myself a loser or anything, because so long as it advances the county, that's the main thing to me. And besides...I enjoyed it."