Sollie wins third term in landslide

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Nov. 5, 2003
Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie won a third straight term Tuesday, defeating challenger Larry Covert in a landslide.
With all precincts reporting, Sollie, a Republican, received 15,289 votes, or 70 percent. Covert, a Democrat, received 6,648 votes, or 30 percent. Sollie will begin his new four-year term in January.
Sollie led throughout the night as election returns were reported; his victory became official shortly before 9 p.m.
Covert, a retired detective with the Meridian Police Department, said he didn't expect such a huge difference in vote totals.
Both candidates said they were happy to see the race draw to a close.
Although disappointed in the race's outcome, Covert has a new family member to console him. Covert said his grandson was born Monday.