Hafen, Coke Capture Senate Nominations In POG Run-Off Election

Front-runners win both CNS and NAT run-off elections

LANSDALE, POG--After a long, arduous battle within both parties for their respective nominations for the state's open Senate seat, the primary race is finally over, with the front-runner candidates winning for both the CNS and NAT.

On the Conservative side, Rep. Bobby Hafen of Elridge handily surpassed his colleague, Rep. Julie Dennings (C-Westmont), by a margin of 54.72% to 45.28%, respectively.

The NAT race was even more decisive. Congresswoman Diane Coke of Wyneok soundly defeated former Lieutenant Governor George Mercott 55.72% to 44.28%, respectively.

Late Tuesday night, Dennings conceded at her victory rally in Lansdale, telling supporters "the long road is over," and wishing her opponent, Bobby Hafen, well in the general election.

"Now we must focus on the general election. We must band together to defeat Diane Coke and the liberal agenda," Dennings said.

Her concession, which was welcomed by Hafen, marked a relieving end to a bitter primary race.

"Tonight, we thank Julie Dennings for a well-fought race and a spirited campaign, and we are thankful for her full support as we look to December and the tough fight against Diane Coke that is ahead," Hafen told supporters in the suburb of North Candeho, just outside Lansdale.

Coke was also celebrating her victory in the Quad Cities, telling supporters she was "extraordinarily grateful" for the opportunity to represent the party. She also thanked Mercott for his concession.

"George Mercott is a good man who has honorably served this state for the past three decades," Coke said. "And I thank him for his integrity throughout this race, and for his commitment to our campaign for the general election."

Mercott didn't say much at his campaign party at The Blue Pelican club on Lansdale's southeast side. But he did thank supporters for their hard work and told the NPF he fully supports Coke in the general election.

"I wish her well," he said as he walked to his car outside the club.

Tuesday's results mean the general election will feature a showdown between Hafen, Coke, Democratic-Reformist businessman Dale Rochenchae, and Independent candidate Mike Indano, also a businessman.

Neither Rochenchae or Indano was available for comment on their new general election opponents.

POG Secretary of State Max Kiesling estimated voter turnout to be around 23% for Conservatives and 17% for Nationalists.