Hammons wins by landslide in hotly contested County Attorney race

A hotly contested and sometimes nasty race for Whitley County Attorney ended Tuesday with a decisive landslide Primary Election win for Bob Hammons who reclaimed the post in which he served two terms in the 1980s.

Hammons, a private attorney who lives and practices in Corbin, garnered more votes than both of his rivals combined – 2,548 as opposed to just 2,019 total for his opponents Graham Trimble and current interim County Attorney Don Moses.

Shortly after the results were tabulated Tuesday night, Hammons said he was cautiously confident he would win the race, but at the same time was humbled by the level of support he received.

"I worked hard and tried to do my best," Hammons said. "I’m really humbled by the fact that the people of Whitley County put their trust and confidence in me. I think people know me and they felt comfortable and secure voting for me as their choice."

Hammons touted as his biggest assets throughout the campaign his "experience, character and maturity." Voters all over the county seemed to agree, as Hammons captured the most votes in every precinct except one. Trimble edged him out by nine votes in the Liberty precinct.

Hammons was a two-term County Attorney in the 1980s, serving out an unexpired term and winning an unopposed election for a second. For the last 12 years, he served as Assistant County Attorney under Paul Winchester, but left that job after Moses was appointed by Whitley County Judge- Executive Pat White Jr. to serve in an interim capacity. Hammons was a finalist for the job, but was passed over by White who felt he had too many potential conflicts of interest.

Hammons serves as legal counsel for the city of Corbin, and several other governmental and quasi-governmental entities including the Corbin Board of Education, City Utilities Commission, Chamber of Commerce and Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission.

Absent any independent or write-in challengers, Hammons could take office as early as November. He said he plans to use the intervening time to plan his administration.

"I’ve aged and matured a little bit since I was County Attorney before," Hammons said. "I think I’ve gotten a little smarter and have a better insight on life and human issues. I think I was a good County Attorney back when I was younger, but I really believe I will be a much better County Attorney this time around."

One of the hallmark promises of Hammons’ campaign was to institute a "rocket docket" in order to handle cases where parties involved want quick resolutions. He said the idea will make the court system more responsive and convenient for citizens, as well as help to unclog the regular court docket.

"I took this campaign to the people and the people responded. It was all about them," Hammons said. "I want to get out among the people and get input and feedback from them. I am a public servant and I plan to serve the people of Whitley County."

"I will not embarrass this county. I want to make Whitley County a better place for our children and grandchildren."

Second place finisher Graham Trimble, also a private attorney in Corbin, said while he was disappointed he didn’t win the race as a political newcomer, he was encouraged that many of the issues he raised were brought to the forefront and addressed as the campaign came to a conclusion.

"The voters didn’t necessarily agree that I was the best person for the job, but they were obviously interested in this race. I think we had about double the expected turnout and I think that is because of some of the issues that drove the debate in this campaign," Trimble said.

Trimble he hasn’t decided if he will seek elective office in the future.

"It’s too early to make a decision on that, but being a prosecutor is something I’ve always wanted to do and hopefully that door is not closed."