It took less than two hours for delegates at the Washington County Republican Convention Saturday morning to nominate the candidates they wanted on the ballot this November.

With Sen. John W. Hickman, R-St. George, set to retire, from Utah Senate District 29, the spot was open for voters to decide between Carmen Snow and Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George.

While some of the delegates predicted this to be a close race, possibly enough to have a primary, Urquhart took the nomination by an overwhelming 72 percent. Candidates need at least 60 percent of the votes to eliminate a primary election.

Urquhart, however, isn't finished. He still has to contend with Democratic candidate Brooks Pace in November's general election. However, he said he doesn't have plans to campaign and will continue working.

"Some folks in politics never leave campaign mode. I try my best never to get in to campaign mode in the first place," Urquhart said. "I plan to keep my nose down and just do the job and hope that carries the day."

Snow was disappointed there wasn't going to be a primary but felt that by entering the race she made the candidates take notice of the issues and the people.

"I feel positive about the fact I think I started the dialogue," Snow said. "Maybe now our representatives will have a listening ear."

House District 75, where Urquhart now serves, was another race many of the delegates expected to need a primary election. Don Ipsom, however, surprised voters and onlookers by receiving 67 percent of the vote and securing the party's nomination. He will run unopposed in November.

Ipsom, president and CEO of DATs Trucking, said he ran for office because of his commitment to the community.

"I have a passion for this community," he said. "The people here have been very good to me and a big part of my life, and I am finally in a place where I can give back so I figured it was time I do that."

Maureen Booth, who ran against Ipsom, also said she would have hoped for a primary election but is supportive of the candidates who won.

Candidates Terry Williams and Kris Lounsbery, who also ran against Ipsom, were not available for comment.

Like the other races, the nominee for Washington County Commission Seat C was decided at the convention. With 79 percent of the vote incumbent Alan Gardner won the delegation over Greg Allred.

Gardner, who will run against Democratic candidate Lin Alder in the November election, said he was surprised and pleased with the outcome.

"I'm relieved and thankful for all the support," Gardner said. "I've worked hard to fulfill my responsibilities on the commission and will continue to do so."

Allred was not available for comment.

Incumbent Rep. David Clark, R-St. George, was uncontested at the convention but will run against Democratic candidate Terry Moore in November for House District 74. Democratic candidate Lyman Whitaker will run against incumbent Rep. Brad Last, R-Hurricane — who also was unchallenged by fellow Republicans — for House District 71.