Legislative veteran John Schiffer, R-Kaycee, appears to have hung on to the Senate District 22 seat for another term.

With all precincts counted in Sheridan and Johnson counties, the Senate President led Republican challenger Al Snell 2,766 votes to 541, or with about 84 percent of total votes.

Schiffer, a 15-year legislative veteran, does not face a Democrat or Libertarian in the general election.

"Obviously, I'm privileged to serve," Schiffer said Tuesday night. He said he will continue to pursue the same agenda of pushing for a balanced budget combined with state investment in infrastructure.

Political newcomer Snell of Buffalo challenged Schiffer primarily on the issue of rising property taxes. Snell said that for years he had worked extensively with state legislators - including Schiffer - to fix what he considers to be an unfair set of property tax laws, but to no avail.

"The real objective was to give the people a choice (in candidates)," Snell said Tuesday night. "The people deserve better than the current property tax system. I hate to see people hurting as bad as they are hurting."

House District 29

Former Wyoming legislator John Patton could be headed back to Cheyenne to represent Sheridan County's House District 29, but first must face Libertarian Elmer Kuball in the general election.

With all precincts counted, Patton led David DeBolt 737 votes to 346, or with about 68 percent of the total vote, according to unofficial results from the Sheridan County clerk's office. Both Republicans sought to replace outgoing Rep. Jerry Iekel, R-Sheridan.

"I thought it was a great race," DeBolt said Tuesday night. "John and I agree on a lot. John and I are good friends, but we had some issues that we disagreed on. John will do a good job and I wish him well."

Patton could not be reached for comment.

Patton previously served four years in the Wyoming State House and six years in the Wyoming Senate, a political career that spanned from 1962 to 1972. He also served one year on the Sheridan City Council.

Patton said that with an expected budget surplus he would like to see money go toward capital improvement for community colleges. Cities and counties need funds for capital improvements as well.

DeBolt is a self-employed consultant in natural resources, and has six years experience as a school board member. He said a priority for the state ought to be setting aside money to preserve and develop Wyoming's water resources.

DeBolt said there ought to be more accountability on the part of schools across Wyoming to ensure the state is receiving good returns on its investments.

Contact Dustin Bleizeffer at (307) 577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@trib.com.