LINCOLNTON - What became a “do-over” from the November elections proved to show Republican’s new found strength in the City of Lincolnton and revealed that 2010 may be the year of conservatives in local elections.
Republican conservative Devin Rhyne won Tuesday’s special election in the City of Lincolnton against incumbent city councilman and Democrat Fred Houser by 54% to 46% of the vote.
Some 15% of eligible voters went to the polls in the special election that was ordered by the State Board of Elections after it was found that November’s winner Republican Tim Shain lived on the wrong side of the street and thus in the wrong council ward. Rhyne’s victory margin was comparable to Shain’s percentage wise. Rhyne collected 511 votes while Houser had 433.
Republicans conducted a strong get out the vote effort that proved the difference in the race. Houser garnered 70% of the 115 straight party votes with 81, while Rhyne received just 34 straight Republican ticket votes.
The difference was made up on the days leading up to the final contest on Tuesday. On Friday Republican Mayor John Gilleland sent out a voice message to Republican voters reminding them to vote and Rhyne sent his own message on Monday afternoon.
Riding the tidal wave that started in November with Gilleland and Shain winning, Rhyne carved his own niche in Lincolnton history Tuesday night.
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By Jason Saine
