With days to go before Tuesday's general election, many voters may have forgotten that there's still a race for Washington County Commissioner. Since securing their spots on the ballot in the primary, the candidates have been running quiet campaigns with just a handful of political signs and advertisements to keep their names in the spotlight. Despite keeping low profiles, the candidates say they are not taking anything for granted this late into the election season. "I'm not assuming anything. I'm still running this campaign as if I'm one vote behind," said Democratic candidate Sheriff Larry Maggi, 53, of Buffalo Township. Maggi teamed up with longtime Democratic incumbent Bracken Burns in the primary and they successfully defeated Democratic Commissioner John Bevec's bid for re-election. Republican incumbent Diana L. Irey is seeking another term. Irey, 40, of Carroll Township, teamed with Republican Lou Waller Sr. for the spring election. They faced no opposition on the Republican ticket. "It's still an election and I'm not taking anything for granted," Irey said. Waller, 75, a Washington businessman, is the fourth candidate. Although he realizes he faces tough opposition, Waller said he is ready to take on the job. "I know I'm the underdog, but if the county wants someone who is the most qualified, then they will vote for me," said Waller, of South Strabane Township. Burns, 53, of South Strabane Township, says he is "optimistic" heading into the election. "I'm certainly blessed that the voters have supported me the last eight years and through five elections," Burns said. Because they have run low-key campaigns, they haven't had to dip too far into their coffers. In fact, Waller hasn't spent a dime on his campaign. He said the few signs that are spread out around the county were purchased by his spring running mate Irey. "I don't need to spend a lot of money to let people know I'd make a good commissioner," Waller said. Irey, on the other hand, spent less than $40,000 during this phase of the campaign, using campaign dollars for billboards and other political items. She also made a $10,000 contribution to Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey's bid for re-election, and another $5,000 to state Supreme Court candidate Joan Orie Melvin's campaign, according to campaign finance reports filed in the elections office. Irey has about $112,000 left in her campaign fund. The Burns-Maggi team spent $17,384 on their dual campaign after the primary election. Individual finance reports showed Burns spending $12,216, and Maggi spending $10,350, most of which was used for political advertising.

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