An upset took place in the Butler County Commission District 5 race Tuesday. Democrat Lynn Harold Watson, former longtime mayor of Georgiana, unseated Republican incumbent Glenn King. Watson garnered 1,245 votes to King’s 604votes.

In the Board of Education District 3 race, incumbent Joe Lisenby fared better. The Democrat received 1,043 votes to Republican challenger Tanya Spear’s 853 votes.

Republican Jerry Hartin fought off the challenge of Lawrence Philpot in District 1. With two boxes left to report, Philpot held at slim two-vote lead, but the incumbent rallied to claim a 1,171 to 927 vote.

Additionally, in District 4, Jimmy Crum, appointed commissioner for the district following the death of Daniel Robinson in July, won 1,121 over 434 write-in votes for candidate Tommie Hamilton.

Like most of the country voter turnout was heavy in Butler County. Probate Judge Steve Norman said numbers approached the “70 percent” mark, unofficially.

While some of the larger cities in the state dealt with long lines forming at polling places early in the morning, at the National Guard Armory, poll worker Lori Milton said approximately 10 or 15 people were waiting when the doors opened at 7 a.m.

“It’s been steady throughout the day,” agreed poll worker Don Lewis.

By 10:30 p.m. Democrat Barack Obama had garnered enough votes in the electoral college to beat Republican John McCain in the President’s race.

Complete results in Saturday’s edition.