Scott Reichner of Bigfork won the Republican primary for House District 9 handily in last Tuesday's election, garnering 795 votes to runner-up Bob Keenan's 338.

Dave Carlson of Swan Lake finished with 96 votes.

"I was just hoping to stay close," Reichner said. "I'm amazed and humbled. It's given me amazing invigoration."

He will now face Democratic candidate Edd Blackler, who did not have a primary opponent.

Reichner has been scarce around Bigfork in the weeks leading up to the primary, due to the failing health and then death of his mother on May 15.

"For the past two months my head and heart haven't been in the game," he said.

Reichner credited his mother-in-law, Ginny Reed, with keeping his campaign afloat in his absence by making phone calls, knocking on doors and talking to people on his behalf while he was away in Utah.

Reichner said he spent the last week leading up to the primary trying to make up for lost time, and said he felt that effort made the difference at the polls.

"I was able to refocus when I got home," he said

In Flathead County, former sheriff Jim Dupont soundly defeated incumbent candidate Gary Hall for a seat on the County Commission. Dupont had 7,837 votes to Hall's 3,475. Hall has served one six-year term on the commission. Dupont will now face Democratic challenger Steve Qunell in the general election.

About 41 percent of registered voters went to the polls across the county.

Flathead County Results:

Commissioner Dist. 1

Jim Dupont 7,837

Gary D. Hall 3,475

State Senate Dist. 2

Suzanne Brooks 619

Ryan Zinke 1,414

State House Dist. 5

Keith Regier 1,074

Harm Toren 543

State House Dist. 9

Bob Keenan 338

Scott M. Reichner 795

David G. Carlson 96

DEMOCRATIC

U.S. President

Hillary Clinton 3,992

Barack Obama 6,360

State Senate Dist. 2

Gil Jordan 1,093

Brittany MacLean 1,238

State House Dist. 8

John de Neeve 342

Cheryl Steenson 656

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