Clark County prosecuting attorney candidates Tony Golik and Brent Boger easily advanced to the November general election, finishing one-two in Tuesday’s primary.
With 58,740 votes counted, Democrat Golik picked up 50 percent and Republican Boger had 42 percent of the votes. Eliminated was candidate George Kolin, who captured slightly less than 8 percent.
The Nov. 2 winner will succeed Prosecuting Attorney Art Curtis, who is stepping down after 29 years.
Tuesday night, Golik said he had a comfortable lead and is confident heading into the general election.
“It’s great. I’m eight points up,” he said. “I’ve been working hard and I’ll continue to work hard” to persuade voters that he has the necessary experience.
Endorsed by Curtis, Golik, 43, has been a Clark County deputy prosecutor for 10 years, including six years in the major crimes unit. Previously, he was a deputy prosecutor for five years in Spokane County. He’s running on the platform that the elected prosecutor should be a seasoned criminal trial lawyer.
Boger, 53, had a different take on Tuesday’s election results, saying he believes the race will become closer once more votes are counted.
“I wish it was a little closer,” he said. But “Republican votes come in later and I’m confident” those votes would swing his way.
Boger is a Vancouver senior assistant city attorney, advising city officials on numerous issues, such as land development, planning and finance. His portfolio includes 25 years as an attorney, mainly in civil practice, handling business, environmental, personal injury and products liability litigation.
Independent candidate Kolin, 44, of Washougal has practiced law since 1993, specializing in criminal defense, including domestic violence, sex abuse and violent crimes. He also has handled divorce, employment and civil rights cases.
Tuesday night, Kolin sent an e-mail to The Columbian, saying he was endorsing Boger because he “has the experience and the integrity which the position calls for.”
The prosecuting attorney, in charge of prosecuting crimes and handling the county’s civil litigation, supervises 40 deputy prosecutors, including 33 criminal prosecutors and seven civil prosecutors. The position pays $148,832 a year.
Laura McVicker: 360-735-4516 or laura.mcvicker@columbian.com.
