Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven is relieved that the primary election is over. “They always say that there's two ways to run a race — one is ‘unopposed,’ and the other scared,’” Vanoven said. “So I had an opponent, and I was always cautious and hopeful about the results, and Tuesday night we got them. So, on with life.”
After beating Republican opponent Jeremy Robb, Vanoven is moving onto his post-primary election plans, after securing the Republican nomination for re-election last week. This will include meetings with residents at events.
He hasn’t quite secured his second term as sheriff — he can still face a Democrat in November should the party hold a caucus before July 6th and file a challenger.
“If they don't put in, I will go back to what I do every summer,” he said. “I'll be hitting these small towns and fairs, their festivals, and just being out there with the people hearing their concerns.”
For example, Vanoven has learned that he needs to send deputies to less-traveled parts of the county, like Buckskin, Somerville and Mackey.
“There are still people in those rural communities that are having problems that we need to address,” he said.
Problems such as vehicle break-ins. Vanoven thanked primary opponent Robb for running a clean campaign. “And we are blessed to have him here in our community. So let's go forward.”
Warrick County Sheriff Chief Deputy Paul Kruse won last week’s Primary Election for Warrick County Sheriff. He bested Indiana State Police Trooper Kevin Brown by 2,800 votes.
He said he’ll need to campaign through November, should a Democrat file by the July deadline. If not, he’ll be the only option on the ballot come November.
Kruse, of course, still has responsibilities at the sheriff’s office.
“I'll be assisting the sheriff, managing operations of the sheriff's office as we move to the new sheriff's office and jail in the coming weeks,” he said.
Kruse is grateful for the support he’s received. “It was a great feeling to see the votes come in and see the hard work paid off, and this overwhelming support was wonderful and very humbling.”
In Indiana, sheriffs are limited to two four-year terms. Current Sheriff Michael Wilder cannot run again, at least not until the coming term passes.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson, a Democrat, is also up for re-election this year, but he currently has no Republican challenger for the General Election. As a general practice, the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party doesn't primary their candidates.
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