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Kupillas takes lead over Wright By Dani Dodge With less than a fifth of the vote, incumbent Jackson County Commissioner Sue Kupillas was slightly ahead of Republican challenger Cleve Wright. As they went to bed Tuesday, only 18.3 percent of the ballots had been counted. Kupillas lead with 9,773 votes to Wright�s 9,416. Both candidates were resigned to waiting a day or two for final results that would let them know who has the job. "I don�t think anyone could feel confident at this point � it�s a close race," said Kupillas, a Democrat. This is the first time Kupillas, seeking her fourth term, has dealt with a close race. She�s won her other contests easily. Wright said he believes the first ballots counted may have been from Ashland. If that�s the case, he thinks he may get the lead in the race over the next day or two as the rest of the ballots are counted. "I�m real confident we will pull the Medford and the rural areas," he said. "I�m pretty hopeful." This is Wright�s second run for commissioner. The owner of a private investigation firm, Wright ran as a Democrat against Commissioner Ric Holt in 1998. Now a Republican, Wright focused on criticizing Kupillas, who he said doesn�t listen to "the people." He pointed out that Kupillas voted with other commissioners to take a raise this year even though the county had to make budget cuts. As of two weeks ago, Wright collected about $6,000 more than his opponent and used the money on an extensive campaign of ads and signs bearing his "Restore the meaning �We the people� " slogan. Kupillas� campaign was heavy on radio, as well as a countywide mailer and a dose of newspaper ads mostly in smaller publications. Kupillas emphasized her experience and achievements, including the development of White City�s industrial park and her efforts to convince Boise Cascade to rebuild after its Medford mill burned in 1997. If Kupillas wins this race she will become the longest serving commissioner in county history. Although she�s a Democrat she has taken more conservative stands on environmental issues including opposing national monument status for Soda Mountain. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.