McArthur Beats Mason
McArthur re-elected in Chowan
By Ritchie E. Starnes
Chowan Herald
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
EDENTON — Chowan County voters re-elected Clerk of Superior Court Mike J. McArthur for a fifth term in Tuesday’s Primary Election.
McArthur, a Democrat, garnered more than 82 percent of the total votes for a 1,110 to 237 victory over challenger Orville E. Mason Jr. He claimed the most votes in all six of the county’s precincts.
“It is humbling to see how my friends, neighbors and family came out to vote for me and thereby allow my great staff to continue to help all cross the courthouse threshold,” McArthur said.
McArthur made his comments from Sean’s Restaurant in downtown Edenton where he, his family, and supporters gathered Tuesday night for a victory celebration.
Mason watched the election returns from the Board of Elections office.
“I knew it was an uphill battle, running against someone in office for 16 years,” Mason said after his defeat.
“I thought I would have gotten more than 237 votes,” he added.
On Monday, McArthur predicted that he would collect 70 percent of the vote. His estimate was based on his unofficial calculations from those who had indicated their support.
“My family has lifted me up when I was struggling and my friends paved the way to my victory,” McArthur said.
In addition to his incumbency, McArthur ran an aggressive campaign that included a heavy dosage of campaign signs and telephone calls.
Mason, on the other hand, relied more on a subtle grassroots campaign, spending only $2,500 in the county’s only primary race.
“I don’t know if I could have done anything better,” Mason said. “I went door to door. Maybe, I didn’t get my message out there.”
Most voters polled after casting their ballot preferred to keep their support private, but those that shared their vote voiced support for McArthur.
“The only reason I’m here to vote today is to vote for this man,” said an unidentified woman, pointing to a nearby McArthur.
McArthur, who has run unopposed since he was first elected as clerk of court, credited Mason for helping raise awareness for the need to vote. He said it kept his supporters from getting complacent.
“I thank my opponent, Mr. Mason, for having run an honorable campaign and wish him well in his future endeavors,” McArthur said.
Only 17 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots in the primary.
McArthur has no Republican opponent in November, barring a write-in candidacy.
By Ritchie E. Starnes
Chowan Herald
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
EDENTON — Chowan County voters re-elected Clerk of Superior Court Mike J. McArthur for a fifth term in Tuesday’s Primary Election.
McArthur, a Democrat, garnered more than 82 percent of the total votes for a 1,110 to 237 victory over challenger Orville E. Mason Jr. He claimed the most votes in all six of the county’s precincts.
“It is humbling to see how my friends, neighbors and family came out to vote for me and thereby allow my great staff to continue to help all cross the courthouse threshold,” McArthur said.
McArthur made his comments from Sean’s Restaurant in downtown Edenton where he, his family, and supporters gathered Tuesday night for a victory celebration.
Mason watched the election returns from the Board of Elections office.
“I knew it was an uphill battle, running against someone in office for 16 years,” Mason said after his defeat.
“I thought I would have gotten more than 237 votes,” he added.
On Monday, McArthur predicted that he would collect 70 percent of the vote. His estimate was based on his unofficial calculations from those who had indicated their support.
“My family has lifted me up when I was struggling and my friends paved the way to my victory,” McArthur said.
In addition to his incumbency, McArthur ran an aggressive campaign that included a heavy dosage of campaign signs and telephone calls.
Mason, on the other hand, relied more on a subtle grassroots campaign, spending only $2,500 in the county’s only primary race.
“I don’t know if I could have done anything better,” Mason said. “I went door to door. Maybe, I didn’t get my message out there.”
Most voters polled after casting their ballot preferred to keep their support private, but those that shared their vote voiced support for McArthur.
“The only reason I’m here to vote today is to vote for this man,” said an unidentified woman, pointing to a nearby McArthur.
McArthur, who has run unopposed since he was first elected as clerk of court, credited Mason for helping raise awareness for the need to vote. He said it kept his supporters from getting complacent.
“I thank my opponent, Mr. Mason, for having run an honorable campaign and wish him well in his future endeavors,” McArthur said.
Only 17 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots in the primary.
McArthur has no Republican opponent in November, barring a write-in candidacy.
