Bowers wins Roanoke City Democratic Firehouse Primary

ROANOKE, Va. -- Roanoke Mayor David Bowers cleared a major hurdle in his re-election bid Saturday, winning the Democratic Firehouse Primary.

It was a less than picturesque day, but that didn't stop Lucy Portzer from making sure she got to have a say in who would be the Democratic nominee for Mayor.

"Everyone should be concerned about what goes on in Roanoke," said Portzer.

Nearly 1,400 others joined her at William Fleming High School for Saturday's firehouse primary -- a turnout the Roanoke City Democratic Committee says is on par with previous years, but admittedly higher than what they thought it would be given the weather.

The crowds kept both candidates busy for most of the day greeting voters as they walked into the polls.  But at the end of it all, the sun shined brightest -- albeit more figuratively than literally -- on David Bowers.

"I'm very gratified and humbled by the results," said Bowers.

Of the 1,396 votes cast, Bowers received 867 of them.  His challenger Sam Rasoul took 526 votes, while three ballots were left blank.

After being named the winner, the incumbent thanked his supporters for helping him come out on top against a "tough competitor."

"We've got a good team in Roanoke," said Bowers.  "And I hope the people of Roanoke say let's keep a good thing going."

Rasoul says while he's disappointed in the outcome, he has no regrets about his decision to run.

"It was a great experience for me," said Rasoul.  "I really enjoyed knocking on about a thousand doors and talking with thousands of people, going to neighborhood meetings, learning a lot about my community."

When asked if this would be his last forray into city politics, Rasoul said he wasn't sure right now, and expressed his support for Bowers.

"I wish him all the best for May 1 and I congratulate him on a well fought race," said Rasoul.

Bowers, meanwhile, says he's looking forward to a quick break before continuting the march to the May 1 General Election.

"I'm going to fix some chili and watch the Super Bowl," said Bowers.  "But come Monday I'll be back working for the people."

The three council seats held by Anita Price, Sherman Lea, and Court Rosen are also up for grabs during the May 1 election.  All three ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and were also declared the party's official nominees Saturday.

No Republicans have entered any of the four races at this point.

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3:45 p.m. update

Incumbent David Bowers wins Roanoke City Democratic Firehouse Primary.

Bowers: 867 votes
Rasoul: 526 votes

WSLS reporter Tim Ciesco is getting reaction and will have a live report tonight at 6.

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3:01 p.m.

The polls are closed in the Roanoke City Democratic Firehouse Primary.

Today, voters went to William Fleming High School to pick the slate three Roanoke City Council candidates and the mayoral candidate for Democratic ticket.

The only contested race is for mayor. Incumbent David Bowers is running against Sam Rasoul.

We will post the results here and have reaction from the candidates tonight on WSLS at 6 & 11.