LEBANON — Warren County's longest-serving commissioner was coasting to the GOP nomination for re-election late Tuesday, despite a challenge from a Lebanon real estate agent.

        Mike Kilburn, a funeral home owner and Salem Township resident, had 63 percent of the vote with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial returns from the Board of Elections.

        Opponent Daryl Dunn, who had 37 percent of the vote, had never run for political office before.

        Still, it was the hottest political race in two counties, with judgeships the only other contested primaries in Butler and Warren.

        In addition, the commissioner race has implications for both counties, as one of the main issues has been whether and where to allow Middletown Regional Hospital to move in Warren.

        The hospital wants to leave central Middletown, in Butler, and create a 550-acre health and technology campus at Greentree Road in Turtlecreek Township.

        Mr. Kilburn opposes that site, although he says he isn't against the hospital moving into Warren County. Mr. Dunn supports the hospital's plans.

        Mr. Kilburn will face Democrat Carolyn Tepe in the November general election.

        In Warren's other GOP contest, James Flannery of Lebanon narrowly defeated James Heath of Maineville for Common Pleas judge. Mr. Flannery had 5,948 votes to Mr. Heath's 5,626, or 51 percent to 49 percent, with all precincts reporting.

        No Democrat is running for the seat held by retiring Judge P. Daniel Fedders. Mr. Flannery and Mr. Heath are sitting judges.

        Butler County voters had to make choices for two newly created judgeships.

        With 229 of 280 precincts counted, Charles Pater was leading his three opponents in the Republican primary for the new Common Pleas judge's seat, according to unofficial returns.

        Mr. Pater had 40 percent of the votes; Daniel Warncke had 23 percent; Gary Kaup had 19 percent, and Timothy Evans had 18 percent.

        The winner will face Democrat J. Farrell Goodman, who was unopposed in the primary, in November.

        In the race for the new Butler County Juvenile Court judge's seat, Ronald Craft was ahead of his two opponents for the GOP nomination.

        Mr. Craft was leading with 58 percent of the vote, Terri King had 29 percent, and Richard Hurchanik had 13 percent in unofficial returns.

        The winner will compete in the November general election against Democrat J.C. Shew, who faced no opposition in the primary.
       

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