DeKay wins; Kube, Patefield neck and neck for second spot

Mark Mahoney

Cedar County News

HARTINGTON - One of the top two spots in the nonpartisan race for Legislative District 40 has been decided, while the other likely will be determined by an automatic recount.

According to unofficial results for the May 10 primary election races, Barry DeKay of Niobrara received the most votes with 4,426 - 36.02 percent of the 12,286 total ballots cast in the contest - to move on to the Nov. 8 general election.

"I'm glad to be in the top two," the 62-year-old said. "I feel like I've got good momentum going into the general election. I just want to build on that momentum going forward."

The race for the second-place position to become a state senator is up in the air between Keith Kube of Crofton and Mark Patefield of Laurel. 

Kube recorded 3,176 votes, or 25.85 percent, while Patefield finished with 3,063 votes, or 24.93 percent, while. Robert Johnston of Clearwater earned 1,621 votes, or 13.19 percent.

According to Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1119, "If it appears as evidenced by the abstract of votes that any candidate failed to be nominated or elected by a margin of 1 percent or less of the votes received by the candidate who received the highest number of votes for the office at an election in which more than five hundred total votes were cast … then such candidate shall be entitled to a recount."

Depending on what happens after the official canvassing of the election results across Legislative District 40, there could be an automatic recount of votes to determine officially whether Kube or Patefield move on to the general election to face DeKay.

Legislative District 40 covers Antelope, Cedar, Holt and Knox counties, as well as parts of Dixon and Pierce counties. 

As for DeKay, he noted he has a good support team who has helped him a lot while on the campaign trail.

"I appreciate their support and hard work on my behalf," DeKay said. "I appreciate the people that voted for me. I'll work hard to gain the trust of the people going forward.

"I'm glad people took the time to get out and vote," he said. "These elections are very important going forward. It's not about one person; it's about the whole district."