ST. GEORGE — Washington County Republican Party leaders gathered Tuesday evening in St. George to celebrate sweeping victories in several races.

But Cyril Noble, chairman of the Washington County Democratic Party, pointed out that several county races had attracted a Democratic challenger for the first time in years.

Even so, Republican Washington County Commissioner Jim Eardley posted a solid win over Democratic newcomer Kris Ballard. Eardley's support of the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act of 2006 had generated some controversy during the campaign, but it didn't seem to be much of a factor in Tuesday's general election.

The seat of retiring Washington County Commissioner Jay Ence was taken by current Santa Clara Mayor Dennis "Denny" Drake, who defeated Democratic challenger Greg Aldred. Libertarian candidate Aric Cramer failed to boot Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap from his job.

Uncontested Washington County races included posts held by Sheriff Kirk Smith, assessor Art Partridge, clerk/auditor Cal Robison, recorder Russell Shirts, treasurer David Whitehead, and four seats held by incumbents on the Washington County Board of Education.

Iron County voters also returned several incumbents to office, including county commissioner Wayne Smith, attorney Scott Garrett and clerk David Yardley. Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower faced an in-house challenge from deputy Michael Crouch, who ran as a Democrat.

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