Jenkins wins another term

W. TERRY SMITH

Clark Jenkins of Tarboro figures he drove almost 300 miles Tuesday, "no further west than Rocky Mount and no further east than Williamston."

The third-term state senator campaigned all day in the three counties he represents en route to another Democratic Party Primary Election victory. He won 59 percent of the vote in Martin County, and 49 percent in Pitt and Edgecombe counties. It added up to a 2,981-vote victory, or 50 percent of the total vote.

It was the third consecutive primary victory over Shelly Willingham of Rocky Mount. Henry Williams received 2,605 votes.

There is no Republican opposition in November.

The vote totals were as follows:

In Martin County, Jenkins received 3,728 votes (57 percent); Willingham 2,437 (37 percent) and Williams 358 (5 percent).

In Pitt County, Jenkins received 5,868 votes (49 percent); Willingham 4,558 (38 percent) and Williams 1,578 (13 percent).

And in Edgecombe County, Jenkins received 6,458 votes (49 percent); Willingham 6,074 (46 percent) and Williams 669 (5 percent).

"I am very pleased the citizens of the 3rd Senate District have faith in me," Jenkins said. "The presidential primary brought a new dynamic to this election.

"I had a lot of good workers in each of the three counties," he said. "They got a lot of people out to vote. They worked hard.

"The interest in the presidential primary certainly energizes the voters in North Carolina. The state turnout (36 percent) shows that."

Jenkins, who celebrated his 60th birthday a week ago, has no time to rest. The legislature's short session begins next week in Raleigh.

"I am going back on Monday morning," Jenkins said. "The short session is looking like it will be a challenge. Finances are getting tighter and tighter by the week."

The senator said he was eager to tackle the dropout problem and come up with some sort of legislation that helps law enforcement with the gang situation.

Senate District 3 includes all of Edgecombe and Martin counties and 60 percent of Pitt County.

Jenkins is the owner of W.S. Clark Farms.

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