NEWPORT — Incumbent Greg Buckler defeated a former employee Tuesday in the Democratic primary race for Campbell County jailer.

        Mr. Buckler, 39, who is seeking his second term, claimed 70.6 percent of the vote, or 2,462 votes, while opponent James “Tom” Sparks took 29.3 percent, or 1,023 votes.

        “I just think the voters were looking at the experience and the job we've done in the last four years,” Mr. Buckler said.

        A former Campbell deputy sheriff and Alexandria police officer, Mr. Buckler will face Republican Jim Sawyer in November.

        Controversy surrounded the primary race, with Mr. Sparks claiming that Mr. Buckler fired him last August for expressing a desire to run for jailer.

        Mr. Buckler said a departmental policy allows jailers to ask employees to resign if they run against their supervisors. Other than that, issues centered around personnel and technology.

        “I'd just like to congratulate Mr. Buckler ... and I hope he makes it through November,” said Mr. Sparks, 44. “I gave it my best shot.”

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