Byrd, Gainey again face off for Darlington sheriff

By: Kelly Gillespie | SCNOW
Published: June 24, 2008

There's a key primary runoff between Wayne Byrd and Tom Gainey.
One of those two Democrats will likely be the county's next sheriff.
For the first sheriff's race in 20 years Darlington County polls saw a low turnout.
Election official in the initial race two weeks ago only a few thousand Democrats made it out to the polls.
"That means close to 30,000 people in Darlington County let someone else decide who's gonna be the sheriff," said Chief Deputy Tom Gainey, Darlington County Sheriff's Office.
Historically election officials said there's a low voter turnout during runoffs.
As the hours wind down both Byrd and Gainey are more worried about that rather then each other.
"I guess that's what scares me most about this run-off," said Captain Wayne Byrd, Darlington Police Department.
After weeks of campaigning both Byrd and Gainey hope their runoff is determined by the better choice, not by who was fortunate enough to have a better turnout.
Gainey has 33 years of law enforcement experience both public and private, 12 of which working at the Darlington County Sheriff's Office.
"I've seen law enforcement from all angles and the other candidate doesn't bring that experience or that background and the education to this arena," said Gainey.
"To Chief Gainey I would say you've worked there 12 years, you've come up this year and said we need to do this and this. If you've been there 12 years, why haven't you done this and this," said Byrd.
Byrd, with the Darlington Police Department, has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement.
"I bring an outside perspective with out the entanglement and the concerns of how things have always been done," said Byrd.
Both men said as sheriff they hope to bring change, but it's up to the voters to determine if it will come from someone inside the sheriff's office or a leader within the county.
Two weeks ago Byrd beat Gainey by about 700 votes.
Lamar Police Chief Charles Woodle came in third with 1,400 votes.
Byrd hopes those that voted for Woodle will vote for him because they both have similar platforms.
Tuesday the polls will be open from 7a.m. to 7p.m. in Darlington County.

Byrd, Gainey again face off for Darlington sheriff

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