By Brian Eckhouse

Published Tue, Aug 12, 2008 (8:15 p.m.)

Updated Tue, Aug 12, 2008 (10:44 p.m.)

Amanda Finnegan

Clark County Commission District A candidate Brian Scroggins talked with constituents at the Republican watch party at Stoney's on election night.

Brian Scroggins, who is seeking a seat on the Clark County Commission, has captured the Republican nomination for District A.

Scroggins has 54.6 percent of the vote with 80.4 percent of the precincts reporting. Outgoing Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, whose name still appeared on the ballot, has 32.7 of the vote, with challenger Duane Christy a distant third at 12.7 percent.

"Bruce has been a visionary leader," Scroggins said Tuesday night during a Republican watch party. "I think I have to follow in his footsteps."

Scroggins' victory meant Republican voters -- not the party -- decided who replaces Woodbury.

Term limits are prohibiting Woodbury from continuing in that post, but his name was on the ballot when the state Supreme Court decided he couldn't return.

Had the popular Woodbury won the most votes, the party would have decided who the nominee would be. Under party rules pertaining to such a circumstance, its central committee would decide who faces the Democratic nominee.

Scroggins will face Democrat Steve Sisolak, who has defeated Jeffrey White. Sisolak has 66.1 percent of the vote, also with 80.4 percent of the precincts reporting.

"I'm really pleased," Sisolak said in an interview. "It was a good race. I've congratulated my opponent. Now it's on to Scroggins."

Sisolak added that he hopes he and Scroggins will engage in a general election campaign rooted in issues, including transportation and water.