WARNER ROBINS -- Democrat Lewis S. Walker easily won a second term as Crawford County Sheriff.

Walker faced a challenge from Republican Tom Wallace, a 58-year-old investigator with the sheriff’s office.

With all precincts reporting, 3,520 votes were cast for Walker compared to 1,560 for Wallace.

“We just appreciate all the support we’ve had from family members down to friends, co-workers and everybody who’s helped us get where we’re at,” Walker said. “We had to get out a lot and work hard, and it paid off.”

Walker was at the home of a friend with about 25 people.

“We’ve been eating some food, sitting around and talking and enjoying each other,” Walker said.

Wallace was at home, with about 20 friends who joined him in the wait for the election numbers.

“I’m feeling pretty rejected,” Wallace said. “But what can I say, the votes are what they are.”

A Crawford County native, Walker first won the seat four years ago upon the retirement of longtime Sheriff Kerry Dunaway. He started at the sheriff’s office in patrol in December 1987. He was promoted to head of patrol in January 2006, a post he held until elected sheriff.

Crawford County Commission

Two incumbent Democrats on the Crawford County Board of Commissioners faced Republican opposition, and one lost his seat.

In District 2, one-term incumbent Bobby Blasingame defeated a challenge by Chuck Evans, who was making his first run at political office. Blasingame, a poultry farmer, won 649 to 454.

“I’m so grateful and thankful for the people of District 2 to let me be a voice for them and work for them for four more years,” Blasingame said. “I’d like to do for them what I’ve done in the past four years to keep the county moving forward.”

Political newcomer John Thomas defeated District 4 incumbent Gene Hamlin 561 to 400.

Thomas credited the win in part to the fact that he was running as a Republican, and the county was voting strongly for Mitt Romney in the presidential race.

“I’ve been in the county 30 years, and I have a lot of good friends here, but Gene has too, and he’s a good fellow,” he said. “I just feel honored that the people would put me in this position.”

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559. To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.