Update [2008-8-5 22:42:37 by Nick]: With 99% of the precincts reporting in the 61st House Margaret O'Brien leads Larry DeShazor by 21 votes. 21 freaking votes! Think your vote doesn't count?

Update [2008-8-5 22:29:13 by Nick]: Grand Rapids WOOD TV 8 reports that Dan Tietema has a commanding lead over his opponents in the 75th. 92 percent of the precincts reporting.

Update [2008-8-5 22:13:2 by Nick]:In the 62nd, with 42 of 47 precincts reporting Greg Moore and Kate Segal are doubling up their opponents. These races look done.

Update [2008-8-5 21:27:1 by Nick]:Things seem to be going according to form as Stamas, Accavitti, Kowal, McManus and McMillin are all leading in early returns.

[Update] August 5, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. by Dennis -- While Lansing insiders focus on downstate races, Northern Michigan has its fair share of tight races at the local and state level.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Scott Fewins (R) is in a tight re-election bid tonight with two Republican challengers.

Michigan's longest-serving sheriff - the Republican Charlevoix County sheriff - retired and created a hot race up-north. The undersheriff faced allegations of Hatch Act violations in his bid against a retired deputy. It's expected to be a long night for these candidates.

In Cheboygan and Presqule Isle counties, there's a five-way contest for District Judge that proved to be an expensive campaign costly well over $80,000, according to pre-primary campaign finance reports.

Midland County voters also have contested races with the county register of deeds, sheriff and clerk campaigns looking competitive tonight.

In Alpena and Montmorency counties, the Circuit Court race pits two Republicans - the current and former prosecutors - against Michael Mack, the nephew of a liberal Supreme Court justice. Legendary former Attorney General and Alpena native Frank Kelley has been campaigning hard for Mack.

There's also an interesting state House race in the 106th District - covering Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties.

Update [2008-8-5 20:42:33 by Nick]: Early precinct results in on House District 62-- With 7 of 47 precincts reporting...

GOP

Greg Moore: 630
Susan Baldwin: 275

DEM

Tim Nendorf: 151
Stryker backed Kate Segal: 383

VEEEEERY early but the early results are better than a kick in the head for pro-lifers and Greg Moore.

If Segal somehow fails to walk away with this thing... or struggles to a narrow win... well... with all that Stryker cash and influence that's unlikely and I don't want to jinx anything.

Update [2008-8-5 20:8:16 by Nick]: Saul's online and liveblogging at MIGOP Blogs!

I almost feel like we should come up with some sort of goofy network news appropriate title... SEMI-ALMOST-DECISION 2008!  **slow cymbal crash**

I've made the trek from RightMichigan headquarters in Grand Rapids across 96 to MRP headquarters here in Lansing.  They've got a wall full of TV monitors set-up to keep up with the returns as they come in this evening... will try to crank out the latest so check back after 8.  

Early and often, as they say in the Barakstar's hood.

Saw Saul for a minute too as he was running in between meetings and he mentioned he'd be doing a little liveblogging himself.  Not sure whether he'll be on the main website or his own blog.  Will update when things shape out.

Big races I'll be watching despite a 20%ish turnout: