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Wednesday, 21 May 2008 |
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Republican James Ward, who political observers said campaigned at least as hard as any candidate, took the first step Tuesday in his bid to become the next Saline County sheriff.  James Ward, center, is congratulated by former Saline County sheriffs Larry Davis, left, and Joe Lee Richards.
Ward, an Alexander business owner, handily defeated sheriff’s Sgt. Tim Dudderar in the preferential primary election.
Ward will face Democrat Bruce Pennington, also a sheriff’s sergeant, in the Nov. 4 general election. The winner will succeed Sheriff Phil Mask.
Ward earned 64 percent of the votes Tuesday, defeating Dudderar 3,608 to 2,035.
“I’m excited,” Ward said at his campaign headquarters in Downtown Benton.
“I worked hard and gave people a choice, they made their decision and I hope they keep it for the general election.”
Former sheriffs Larry Davis and Joe Lee Richards congratulated Ward on Tuesday night and offered their support and advice.
Ward’s watch party was adjacent to a similar gathering for Dudderar. Dudderar’s supporters, both residents and current sheriff’s personnel, lined the booths and tables at Sharon’s Home Cookin’ Café to await the results.
Ward, 31, said he’s “sincerely enjoyed meeting people, and I’m very thankful to those who came out and got me elected.”
The owner of COP Security Systems said he looks forward to taking a “little breather. I’ll spend some time with family and get my honey-do list in check. Then we’ll get ready for the win in the general election.”
Ward is a political newcomer.
“I didn’t know what to look for,” he said. “I just kept going until it was over with and I was sure my supporters would let me know if I won.”
Dudderar, 45, of Bryant said he’s disappointed with the results.
“But this is nothing but a thing,” he said. “I’ll go back to work Friday.”
He added, “I really appreciate all the people who supported me. We ran a good, clean campaign.”
Dudderar said he’s not ruling out the possibility of another run for office.
When asked if he plans to support Pennington, Dudderar said, “I still stick by my saying that experience is the difference.”
If elected, Ward said, “My ultimate goal is to serve with the people. I want to communicate with them, the media and other officials. I want the citizens to know that I would be a sheriff who supports them and works for them.”
Ward has been campaigning for sheriff since spring 2007. He’s attended nearly every community event and has made numerous donations to various organizations and causes since announcing his candidacy.
Ward and his wife, Shirley Terry Ward, established COP Security Systems in 1998.
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Razorbacks
