Cheers erupted among Sheriff Joe Martin’s supporters in the Clallam County Courthouse basement as Martin ran over challenger Soeren Poulsen in Tuesday’s election.
Martin, 70, standing among his wife, Maryann, other family members and Sheriff’s Department personnel, smiled as a county election official read the results from the first round of vote-counting.
They showed him with about 65 percent, or 12,446 votes, to Poulsen’s 35 percent, or 6,897 votes.
“I’m feeling very good,” said Martin, thanking people for their support.
“And I look forward to two years, and maybe more.”
Poulsen, 61, monitored election results with his wife, Connie, from their Happy Valley-area home, where he offered congratulations to Martin.
“Of course I’m disappointed,” said Poulsen.
“But you know, the majority of the voters have made the decision, made the choice, and my compliments go to Sheriff Martin.”
Poulsen said it’s “too early” to say if he will muster a third campaign to run for sheriff in 2006.