Frank, Iwanski, Hope lead in early election returns

Business owner Terry Frank, a Clinton Republican, has an early voting lead over attorney Warren Gooch, an Oak Ridge Democrat, in the race for Anderson County mayor, according to early results posted Thursday evening on the Anderson County Election Commission website.

Results continue to be tabulated, but Frank has been collecting about 56 or 58 percent of the early, absentee, and election day votes, compared to about 42 to 44 percent for Gooch.

Also taking an early lead was City Council candidate Charles J. “Chuck” Hope Jr., who had about 58 percent of the vote around 8:42 p.m., compared to 42 percent for Trina Baughn.

They are running for a special three-month term on City Council. Hope was appointed to the seat after former City Council member Tom Hayes resigned in June 2011.

Also taking an early lead was Anderson County Commission candidate Myron Iwanski, who is currently interim mayor. Around 8:30 p.m., Iwanski had 855 votes, or 75 percent, compared to 280, or 25 percent, for Patrick.

The two are running for a seat in District 8, which includes Woodland, Emory Valley, and Hendrix Creek.

Anderson County property assessor candidate John K. Alley Jr., a Republican, had 59 percent of the total votes, compared to 41 percent for Democrat Rick W. Marlowe.