By Susan Vela
The Cincinnati Enquirer

READING - Robert "Bo" Bemmes, the mayoral candidate endorsed by his fellow Republicans, easily won Tuesday's Republican primary.

Bemmes, a four-year member of council, received 736 votes, or 64 percent, to 409 votes, or 36 percent, for Kenneth W. Nordin, a council member for six years.

Now, Bemmes, 50, whose father was a longtime council member, is preparing for the final leg of his run to become mayor of this Hamilton County city. He will run in November against Democrat Jim Pfennig and Independent James Perdue.

Bemmes is a 1971 Reading High School graduate who owns Butch Bemmes & Sons Construction.

He said he is intent on sticking to a routine that includes knocking on doors and meeting residents at festivals, church activities and community gatherings. He said he would be best at fostering a spirit of cooperation and drawing businesses to the area, based on a platform of improvements along Reading Road.

"I don't take any contest lightly," he said of the November election. "I always go out to do my very best."

Now that the primary is over, Pfennig said he is ready to gear up his November campaign. The Democrat, who served 14 years on council until two years ago, is determined to focus on economic development and fiscal responsibility.

He decided to run for mayor because "I thought I can continue those programs and add a few new ones and make the city a newer place."

Perdue could not be reached.

In other Hamilton County primary races:

• In Harrison, Randy Shank won the Republican primary for mayor with 191 votes, or 58 percent, compared to 136 votes, or 42 percent, for James E. Robertson.

• In Norwood, John T. Mumper won the Democratic nomination for Ward 4 council member with 170 votes, or 89 percent, to 21 votes, or 11 percent, for Debra Hughes.

E-mail svela@enquirer.com