(La Porte County, IN) - It was a near landslide for democratic candidates in La Porte County who had struggled to win against republicans for about the past decade.

 

Among the winners was democrat Mike Bergerson, who defeated republican incumbent Jamie Oss for judge in La Porte Superior Court 1 in Michigan City by nine-percentage points.

 

Bergerson of Michigan City was judge when defeated six-years ago in his bid for a second term by Oss.

 

Before any local votes were tallied, Bergerson was encouraged about his chances by the success other democratic candidates at the state level were doing midway through the counting such as Beau Bayh, who won the race for Indiana Secretary of State.

 

He also cited positive vibes from local candidates within the party.

 

“The enthusiasm factor here.  We’re hopeful,” he said.

 

Democrat Jim Macalka defeated republican Kurt Earnst for judge in La Porte Superior Court 3 by a similar margin.

 

Macalka, who has a private legal practice in La Porte, also has experience as a La Porte County deputy prosecutor and defense attorney.

 

His priorities include continuing to offer help to misdemeanor offenders with things like substance abuse so they don’t commit more serious crimes in the future.

 

“You have to help these individuals.  You don’t want them to become felons.   That’s what our goal is,” he said.