By Hugh Fisher

For the Salisbury Post

CONCORD — A longtime incumbent and a longtime educator will represent Republicans in the run for two seats on the Cabarrus Board of Commissioners.

Elizabeth "Liz" Poole, former chairwoman of the Cabarrus County Board of Education, and incumbent commissioners and former commission Chairman Bob Carruth won Tuesday's primary election.

The seats now held by Carruth and Republican Joni Juba are up for election, and Juba chose to not to run again.

Only two Democratic candidates filed in Cabarrus County.

Wendell Fant and Archie Barnhardt will compete against Poole and Carruth in November.

With all precincts reporting, Poole took 22.4 percent with 3,650 votes and Carruth won 21 percent with 3,434 votes, securing spots on November's ballot.

Holly Blackwelder finished a close third, with 20.8 percent or 3,388 votes. He trailed Carruth by only 46 votes.

Four other challengers — Larry Burrage, Joy Lane, James "Jim" Rhinehart and Marcy Hiers — split the remaining votes.

"I am quite humbled at this point," Poole said just after arriving at the Cabarrus Board of Elections to watch the returns, finding herself in the lead.

Poole has served for 10 years on the Cabarrus Board of Education, including four years as chairwoman.

In addition to her service on the board, she is currently working as a substitute teacher at Kannapolis Middle School.

Looking ahead to November's election, Poole said she wants to focus on maintaining a strong relationship between county government and educational institutions.

She also said she will work to build a supportive climate for small businesses alongside larger employers.

Poole said she was pleased with turnout and the opportunity to address local issues. "I see no real changes in the debate unless incumbents bring them up," she said.

Carruth, who has served on the board since 2000 and was chair from December 2005 to November 2007, said he was honored to be nominated again by his party.

"I want to congratulate all of the other candidates, especially Marcy Hiers," Carruth said, noting that Hiers' wife passed away last week.

"The challengers raised some issues that are important to the community."

Among them, Carruth said, are the need to communicate with citizens about issues related to growth and taxation and to work for unity.

"It's time for all of us Republicans to rally together," Carruth said. "It's time for change in North Carolina."

Contact Hugh Fisher at 704-797-4245 or hfisher@salisburypost.com.

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