By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
Voters go to the polls Tuesday for county and statewide primaries to narrow their choices of candidates - and choose a sheriff.
Because both candidates are Democrats, the race for Escambia County sheriff will end Tuesday night.
Shaking hands and peppering the county with campaign signs are the two most prominent ways that sheriff's candidates Grover Smith and Tim Hawsey have spent the past few weeks trying to get votes.
Their most important message?
Smith - who beat 20-year incumbent Hawsey four years ago - has touted his success in getting grants and other resources to improve protection of county residents, as well as his improvements to the jail.
Hawsey has told voters about his success in drug enforcement during his tenure and his desire to serve the county again.
The sheriff's race is the only contested race on the ballot in Escambia County.
Voters must choose a Democratic or Republican ballot in Tuesday's primary.
In the race for governor, statewide polls have shown incumbent Bob Riley with a significant lead over Republican challenger Roy Moore, known as the Ten Commandments judge.
Polls show Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley with a growing lead over Democratic challenger Don Siegelman, who is trying to regain the office he lost four years ago to Riley.
Siegelman is currently on trial on charges of bribery and racketeering.
Siegelman lost to Riley in 2002 by only 3,120 votes.