Barker totaled an unofficial count in Dyer, Obion and Lake counties of 3,385 (51.8 percent) to Bennett's 2,519 (38.6 percent) and Obion County commissioner Jerry Grady's 489 votes (9.2 percent) and Newbern resident Ross Dubrule's 27 votes (.04 percent).

Barker lost Dyer County to Bennett by a 1,413 (74.13 percent) to 463 (24.29 percent) margin. She carried the North Dyersburg precinct, which includes two streets in the 77th District, with eight votes to Bennett's six ballots.

Barker, who is running to fill the vacancy created by the surprise retirement of Philip Pinion of Union City, said she is gratified by the win.

Noting her poor showing in Dyer County, Barker said she understands how the 2002 redistricting remains a sore point.

"I understand how Dyersburg and Dyer County feels about how the district was split several years ago. I don't think it is a problem because it is my intention to represent the district - not one particular county in the district. I'm working for Dyer, Obion and Lake counties and the projects that we have to work together on to succeed - I-69, Cates Landing, improvements to the Dyersburg airport and Everett Stewart Airport [in Union City]."

Barker said she hopes to begin "regular town hall meetings with every community in the district."

Barker will face Kenton businessman C.W. Sanderson, who handily won the Republican primary against teacher Shelly Arnett of Samburg, 1,151 votes (69 percent) to 518 votes (31 percent).

Incumbent 82nd House District Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) turned back a challenge from Alamo resident (and Bennett's son-in-law) Brian Black by a 1,565 (86.7 percent) to 241 votes (13.3 percent). Black had withdrawn from the race, but not in time to have his name removed from the ballot.

State Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) faced no opposition.