Voters solidly backed Rockwall County's incumbents in Tuesday's Republican primary.

But the race for the open Precinct 3 commissioners seat is headed for an April runoff between former Heath Mayor Dennis Bailey and Rockwall police detective Randy Puckett.

The Republican primary winners are virtually assured of taking office in January because Democrats fielded no candidates for local races.

Mr. Bailey, Mr. Puckett and former Rockwall Mayor Leon Tuttle all vowed to improve roads and control spending in their bids to replace three-term Precinct 3 Commissioner Bruce Beaty, who is not seeking re-election.

Mr. Bailey led in Tuesday's balloting by a healthy margin but did not reach the required 50 percent of votes to avoid a runoff.

Mr. Puckett said voters are now faced with choosing between an administrator and a working man's candidate.

"In my opinion the Commissioners Court has got enough administrators," he said. "I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing and let the people decide."

Mr. Puckett, 55, has been a police officer for nearly 20 years. Mr. Bailey is a private consultant for AT&T and former regional vice president for SBC Telecom.

Mr. Bailey, 58, could not be reached Tuesday night. He previously said his existing relationships with local and state elected officials will benefit the county.

Sheriff Harold Eavenson, 69, said he relied on his experience and reputation to handily win his third term. Teresa Tuggle, a private tutor from Fate with no law enforcement experience, said she was prompted to run because of reported problems in the Sheriff's Department and did not want see an incumbent run unopposed.

Precinct 1 County Commissioner Jerry Wimpee, 64, soundly defeated Bruce A. Clark, a retired urban planner who previously challenged him in the 1996 Republican primary.

Mr. Wimpee, who has held his seat for more than a decade, said he will focus his next term on long-range planning tempered with responsible spending.

Republicans returned Bill Broderick to the county chairman's post. He was challenged by former chairwoman Mary Lou Hawkins-Curtis.