Election count updated

County election workers ran an updated count Friday morning of ballots received via mail after the Aug. 17 primary election day. The new count added 2,231 to the tally, bringing the total to 7,818, or a 41 percent return on the 19,227 mailed out.

Incumbent Auditor Eunice Coker held onto a strong lead over challenger Esther Wilson, 77 percent to 22 percent. State Rep. Joe Schmick kept an 82 percent to 16 percent lead over Glen Stockwell.

The race drawing the most interest was for U.S. Senator, where only 117 voters did not vote for one of the 15 candidates. Republican Dino Rossi held on to a 43...