With the defeat of her opponent in Tuesday's election, Judy Groner said she is ready to get started in her role as the new Callaway County Circuit Clerk.
"I have a lot of work in front of me, but I'm ready to do that, ready to do the job and move forward," Groner said.
Curtis Quick, a Democrat who has been circuit clerk since 2002, lost the race to Groner, a Republican, 6,060 to 7,270. It was the closest contested race for an open Callaway County office.
Quick called the election results a "great success" for Groner.
"She's a good person, and I wish her well," Quick said.
Not sure what his future plans will be, Quick said, "We were blessed to be able to serve as long as we have and look forward to what's coming next."
Tuesday's election results were a resounding victory for Republican candidates in Callaway County.
"I think, clearly, the country is basically looking for a change," Quick said, "and I think we're just a part of that."
Groner said she had a lot of help during her campaign, which she was thankful for because, "It was a lot more work than I expected."
About her opponent, Groner said, "I would like to wish the very best to Curtis (Quick)."
Both candidates said they campaigned hard. Quick said he probably walked to at least 6,000 homes during his campaign. He said the circuit clerk position isn't about the person but the office and serving the people.
"I'm really excited to get started on the job, and I'm really appreciative of all the people who voted for me," Groner said.
Groner is currently the controller and bookkeeper for Glove Con, Inc., a construction company in Fulton. She said she plans to resign from the company at the end of the year to step in as circuit clerk. Always having enjoyed jury duty and wanting to be involved in court proceedings, Groner said she's excited to step into her new position.
Bill Newton, Fulton, voted at Fulton City Hall Tuesday morning and said he chose Quick because, "I got to talk to him and know who he is. I tried to talk to the candidate on the other side and couldn't get a hold of them."
"I'm a Republican, but I voted for Quick, a Democrat," Newton said.
Bob Rogers, Calwood, said he voted for Groner because he "didn't see the other guy's signs anywhere."
Jackie Burton of Auxvasse said, "I voted for Quick because of advertisements I saw in the paper."
Casting a ballot at Millersburg Christian Church, David Russell said, "I voted for Quick. I think he probably has the experience that it would take, that we need there."
Though he will be stepping down early next year, Quick said he had a lot of "great folks" that helped out during his campaign.
"It's a great country we live in that we have the freedom to elect who we want," he said.