Ashland city councilor Pam Marsh has easily defeated her Republican challenger to win a seat held since 2005 by retiring Democrat Peter Buckley. As of 7 a..m. Wednesday, Marsh was leading Steven Richie by 62 to 37 percent.
Marsh was favored to win the heavily Democratic district, which encompasses the south of Jackson County, including Ashland. Her experience on the Ashland Planning Commission and City Council -- plus her non-profit job as director of the Ashland Community Food Bank -- gave her an edge over Richie, who has no local government experience.
Richie was also disadvantaged by being asked by Republican leaders to step into the race after Alan DeBoer abruptly dropped out in August to run for the Senate seat vacated by the death of long-time Senator Alan Bates.
Marsh's win retains a seat that's been in Democratic hands for 16 years.