[11/5/03]Shelly Ashley-Palmertree ran away with the circuit clerk’s race Tuesday, winning election to the post her father had held since 1987.

Ashley-Palmertree, 34, the Democratic nominee, received 9,657 votes, nearly 4,000 more than the other four candidates in the race combined.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support the citizens have shown me,” she said after the results were in. “And I can’t wait to serve the public as the next circuit clerk.”

Trey Miller III, 37, the Republican candidate, received the next-highest vote total, 2,396.

“With the number of people we had in this race, it really diluted the votes,” Miller said. “Shelly got a lot of crossover votes, so (I) wish her the best of luck.”

The other three candidates were running as independents. Mike Caruthers, 48, an owner of Caruthers Marine Inc., received 1,928 votes.

“I congratulate Shelly Palmertree, and I want to thank all my supporters, friends and family for the support they showed me,” he said.

Bertha Williams Conner, 55, who teaches barbering at Hinds Community College’s Vicksburg campus, received 910 votes, and Fred Sherard, 40, an accountant doing contract work locally, 498.

Ashley-Palmertree has been a deputy circuit clerk for 15 years.

The circuit clerk is the chief officer of the circuit court and chief elections officer of the county. The clerk maintains the voter rolls, assists the election commissioners in maintaining the voter rolls and assists election officials in conducting primary and general elections.

Among the records the circuit clerk maintains are those for lawsuits and marriages.

Clerks’ compensation comes from fees, capped by the Legislature at $83,600, but making the position one of the best-paid in Warren County government.

The office also employs seven deputy circuit clerks hired by the clerk.