GOP gets big wins through county
Standing there, watching election returns come in from across Georgia, State Rep. Ben Harbin looked a little shell-shocked.
"I just can't believe it," he said, shaking his head. "I have dreamed about this day forever."
The success found by Republicans throughout Georgia was mirrored in Columbia County - where nearly all elected officials are members of the GOP.
In races of local interest:
Voters overwhelming sent State Sen. Joey Brush back to Atlanta. The Appling Republican won with 32,775 votes, or 73.4 percent to 11,865 votes or 26.6 percent for Democrat Anna Hargis throughout the district.
In Columbia County, Brush received 20,985 votes to Hargis' 6,722 votes.
"I'm thankful and honored for the support from the people of Columbia County and the rest of my district," Brush said.
In the Georgia House of Representatives District 79 race, former Columbia County Commission Chairman Barry Fleming won with 9,279 votes or 70.5 percent. His opponent, Columbia County Democratic Party Chairman Terry Holley received 3,882 votes, or 29.5 percent.
"I'm excited about going to Atlanta representing the interests of a vibrant, growing county like ours," Fleming said. "And, I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the delegation and our new county commissioners."
Charlie Norwood fended off the challenge from Democrat Barry Gordon Irwin for the new U.S. House of Representative's 9th District seat.
Throughout the district, Norwood received 119,467 votes - 73.1 percent - to Irwin's 44,048 votes, 26.9 percent. In Columbia County, Norwood received 23,252 votes to Irwin's 5,145 votes.
"I am honored that the people in the new 9th district have allowed me to go back and represent them," he said. "We're just thrilled."