East Texas

By KELLY PREW
Staff Writer

ATHENS - Attorney Scott McKee was back to work Wednesday in his private practice following a Tuesday Republican primary win that unseated longtime Henderson County District Attorney Donna Bennett.

"Today it's all sunk in," McKee told the Tyler Paper. "But I'm actually getting back to work."

With all precincts reporting and a total of 9,230 votes, McKee won with 61.74 percent of the vote, or 5,699 votes. Bennett had 38.26 percent, or 3,531 votes.

There is no Democratic candidate to face in November.

"Basically what I'm doing is just getting all my cases dealt with, just getting ready to take office in January (2009)," he said Wednesday.

McKee said he will pay close attention to upcoming trials handled by the district attorney's office, but will stay out of the way unless he is asked to help.

Bennett was unavailable for comment, but campaign manager Jordan Berry said she's focusing on the next nine months of work.

"We do say congratulations to Scott and hope that he does a good job," Berry said. McKee ran on a platform of experience in leadership, citing his service in the Army. He has also drawn a hard line against drug manufacturers and dealers and child abusers.

McKee told the Tyler Paper earlier in the campaign that he'll bring tougher charges on criminals, and he'll do it his way.

"That doesn't mean I won't have to explain myself to the people of the county," he said.

Mrs. Bennett served 14 years as Henderson County district attorney and was the first woman elected to the post.