By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - Longtime Commissioner Mike Kilburn held onto his seat late Tuesday despite an unusually aggressive Democratic challenge in GOP-dominated Warren County.

Mr. Kilburn beat Carolyn Tepe 66 percent to 34 percent, according to unofficial returns.

Mr. Kilburn, 48, of Salem Township has been a commissioner for 20 years - about as long as it's been since a Democrat was commissioner.

Ms. Tepe, 33, of Deerfield Township garnered support in the business community and even from some high-profile Republicans, and she said as the votes stacked up against her Tuesday that she had no regrets.

"I think a lot of people got educated about Warren County and what goes on here, and in the end they will pay more attention," she said.

Mr. Kilburn could not be reached for comment.

E-mail candrews@enquirer.com