Democrat wins commission seat in spades

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Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 | 9:49 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Democrat J.J. Gillum lifted his eyes to the ceiling of the courthouse in Goldfield and said, "unbelievable," after he won a draw of the cards for election to the Esmeralda County Commission.

Gillum and Republican Dolores "Dee" Honeycutt both polled 107 votes in the election earlier this month. So they had a draw of the cards Friday. Each came up with a jack, but Gillum's spade was higher than Honeycutt's diamond.

It was the first time in recorded history in Nevada when the cut of the cards decided a general election race in a local contest.

It was the third tie in a local election. There was a coin toss in 1972 in an election for justice of the peace in Gabbs and in the primary election in Eureka County in 1972, the candidates drew cards.