Yaden defeats Hollon by 4,278 votes
Democrat beats incumbent in every precinct except one
By Tara Kaprowy, London Sentinel-Echo, November 9, 2006

In a landslide victory, Fred Yaden walloped incumbent Gene Hollon in the race for the Laurel County sheriff's seat.

Yaden garnered 9,977 votes while Hollon received just 5,699, according to the unofficial tally.

Yaden, 59, took all of the county's precincts but one.

Early in the day, Hollon was already trailing Yaden unofficially by 215 votes in the absentee ballots. That trend continued from the moment Tony Brown began reading vote results at the Laurel County Clerk's Office, with Yaden winning some precincts by as much as 200 votes.

"I didn't expect such big numbers," Yaden admitted. "I felt good about it but I didn't know it was going to be this big."

With wife Carolyn, daughter Leah, sister Jane and a host of other family members by his side, the race seemed a family affair.

And indeed it was.

"My dad was the first democratic sheriff in 52 years," Yaden said. "And 33 years later, this one's for my dad."

Yaden attributed his triumph to his campaign.

"It was a lot of hard work, I was campaigning day and night," he said. "Gene ran a good race. This wasn't personal — I think I can move us forward with a few ideas."

Despite numerous attempts to reach Hollon, he could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

In terms of immediate plans, Yaden plans only to rest "and get my head together." However, he did say he has no plans to clean house.

"There's a lot of good boys, officers working," he said. "That's not going to be my tactic. I have no reason to do that. Everything's on the table."

One issue that may have affected the race involved three Sheriff Department audits, which were released in early October.

The audits showed the department was plagued by a $81,000 deficit, which had accrued over the past three years. It also showed Hollon had allowed $7,885 in interest to accumulate on bank loans, had paid $4,411 in health insurance premiums for employees who were no longer employed by the department and owed $4,290 for insufficient fund and overdraft bank charges. Hollon was also not reimbursed by state auditor Crit Luallen for over $9,000 in Mastercard charges because he could not produce sufficient documentation to support them.

Yaden made reference to the issue in his platform, saying he would operate within a budget. He also promised to deal with the county's drug problem, be tough on crime and develop an open-door policy. He also wants to assign deputies to specific locations in the county.

Before retiring, Yaden was supervisor of the Probation Parole District 10.

Kuhl holds off challenger Huff in judge's race
Incumbent judge-executive says he is 'very elated' to win close race
By Allison Altizer, London Sentinel-Echo, November 9, 2006

Laurel County Judge-Executive Lawrence Kuhl scraped by Republican opponent Gene Huff Tuesday night, securing his second term with 73 votes in an unofficial tally.

"I'm very elated," Kuhl said immediately following the announcement. "I'm very honored, and I appreciate everybody that gave us such tremendous support."

Huff, a long-time state senator, was resolute.

"I'm a little bit let down," he admitted. "I appreciate Lawrence, and it doesn't hurt near as much to lose to an individual who is as dedicated to public service as Lawrence Kuhl is."

Kuhl was also complimentary of his opponent, noting Huff is "an honorable man, and has a great family."

"He ran a good campaign, a clear campaign," Kuhl said.

Huff carried more county precincts — 24 to Kuhl's 22 — while Kuhl won more votes in a race that at times seemed neck and neck.

And as the dust cleared around the Laurel County Courthouse, a triumphant Kuhl anticipated "four more good years."

"We'll all be able to work together ... all move London and Laurel County forward," he said.

Kuhl was grateful Laurel County's voters "acknowledged all the hard work we've put in."

With the help of a fiscal court that will boast four seasoned and two new faces, Kuhl plans to "continue the progress we started during this this administration."

Kuhl wanted to thank a host of people, primarily those who offered their prayers for his campaign.

Huff is among those who wishes the judge-executive and county well, noting he will volunteer his services to any city or county office to make London and Laurel County "the best they can be."

Huff won't seek local office again, citing "age and what have you."

He will, however, continue his support of his party and viable candidates.



Kuhl was grateful Laurel County's voters "acknowledged all the hard work we've put in."

With the help of a fiscal court that will boast four seasoned and two new faces, Kuhl plans to "continue the progress we started during this administration."

Kuhl wanted to thank a host of people, primarily those who offered their prayers for his campaign.

Huff is among those who wishes the judge-executive and county well, noting he will volunteer his services to any city or county office to make London and Laurel County "the best they can be."

Huff won't seek local office again, citing "age and what have you."

He will, however, continue to support his party and viable candidates.