Herman and Howard win primary for judge

Top vote-getters in the Columbia County Democratic primary for County Judge were:

Brian Joseph Herman, with 34.7% of the vote

Michael C. Howard, with 34.1%

Those two will advance to the general election in November.

The third candidate on the Democratic line was Mark Portin, who won 31.2% of the vote.

Some observers said it appeared many voters voted for only one candidate, even though instructions allowed two. This skewed results.