Stewart makes gains in race for county commissioner

Democrat Craig Pridemore remained ahead of Republican Jeanne Stewart after the latest tally in their race for Clark County commissioner was released Thursday, but he held no illusions that he’ll ultimately get the job.

“I suspect at this point, she will eventually pull ahead,” Pridemore said Thursday, as his lead narrowed to 301 votes.

Pridemore stopped short of conceding. In the race for Clark County sheriff, however, Shane Gardner conceded defeat to Chuck Atkins. And Republican Lynda Wilson consolidated her lead over Democratic Rep. Monica Stonier.

Pridemore said in the end, Stewart’s message appeared to resonate with voters.

“She and David Madore have promised things the community likes to hear: You get the bridge for free, you get mental health services without tax money, you get it all for free,” Pridemore said. “It’s very attractive to people. It’s very attractive to me. It’s just not real.”

Stewart could not be reached for comment.

She did not return an email, and her voicemail was full.

Pridemore said he ran because he thought the county needed better leadership.

“I think this campaign shows the county doesn’t want a different direction or that they don’t want me,” he said.

This was his last shot at politics, he said.

“That’s presuming a loss,” he said, which he isn’t presuming yet because he wants to honor his supporters’ efforts.

Wilson, the former chairwoman of the Clark County GOP, widened her lead over Democratic incumbent Monica Stonier on Thursday. Wilson captured 51.3 percent of the votes to Stonier’s 48.4 percent of the votes.

County election officials have 11,000 ballots left to count.

Wilson and Stonier did not return calls for comment.