Democrats retain hold on courthouse

Hill County Republicans failed in their efforts to gain a foothold in county government in Tuesday's election.

Democrats swept all of the contested county offices.

Democratic incumbent County Commissioner Doug Kaercher defeated Republican Byron Welter with a decisive margin, according to unofficial results. Kaercher received 66 percent of the votes cast in that race, compared to Welter's 31 percent

Welter blamed his loss on Hill County being a Democratic stronghold. "People are afraid of change," he added.

He said he was proud of his campaign and the fact that he avoided negative campaigning....