Williamson County voters went against the mainstream in two races. County voters chose Republican John McCain over Barack Obama 17,351 to 12,893. Voters also gave Ken Burzynski 15,649 to Gary Forby's 14,059.
Williamson County recorded  a 71.3 percent voter turnout for this election. Precinct balloting went smoothly and the only problem arose when the early and absentee ballots were being counted. Those ballots had to be hand counted and reviewed.
Republican county board candidate Ron Ellis won over his Democratic opponent Gary Pearson 15,182 to 13,281.
In other contested races, incumbents won sizeable victories. U. S. Senator Richard Durbin defeated Republican challenger Steve Sauerberg 16,346 to 11,818 votes.  In addition to Durbin and Sauerberg, Kathy Cummings had 990 votes while Larry A. Stafford had 307 and Chad Koppie 167.
U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello won easily over his two challengers. Costello garnered 16,849 votes while Timmy Richardson tallied 9,398 and Rodger Jennings had 1,216.
Williamson County has four precincts that are in the 12 District. Republican John Shimkus won with 1,150 to Troy Dennis' 46 and Daniel Davis' 491.
Illinois State Rep. John Bradley won significantly 75 to 25 percent over his opponent Ron Emery 22,075 to 7,590 votes.
Several incumbents were unopposed and won re-election. Circuit Clerk Stuart Hall, State's Attorney Charles Garnati and Mike  "Junior" Burke will continue to serve in their respective offices.
Williamson County Clerk Saundra Jent said that she was very pleased with the ease that the various precinct votes were handled.
"All of the judges and officials did a wonderful job," Jent said. "This was one of the smoothest election nights we have even with the large voter turnout."
Jent said the results would remain unofficial until her office completes the voting canvas by Nov. 18.