Cain write-in winner

Paul Cain 309 write-in votes. Ernest Riley, 269. After a long night of counting, Oconee Elections Director Joy Brooks declared Cain the unofficial winner to fill the remaining months of the late Archie Barron’s term on county council. In racking up a 40-vote margin, Cain captured four of the six voting precincts. “I’m very happy that the voters have chosen me to represent them…,” was Cain’s immediate reaction last night. Both Cain and Riley took time out in their post-election comments to reporters to give thought to Mary Inabinet, whose health condition prompted her husband, Andy Inabinet, to give up his spot as the Republican nominee for the office. Mr. Inabinet’s withdrawal left the election to be decided by write-in votes. Cain and Riley were announced write-in hopefuls going into yesterday’s election. The full, four-year term for District Three is to be decided in next month’s regular primary and November’s General Election. Cain will go onto in the primary as a Republican hopeful for his party’s nomination. A petition candidacy or another write-in effort are options open to Riley. But last night he said now’s not the time for him to discuss that.