Rust wins constable run-off
Guthrie says he will file complaint

Dustin Rust received more than 70 percent of Tuesday's vote to defeat Gary Guthrie for the Republican nomination for Pct. 3 constable. With no Democratic opponent, the run-off win effectively gives Rust the office.

Rust, a police officer for the City of Whitehouse, earned 568 votes to Guthrie's 206.

Guthrie says he plans to file a complaint with the state challenging Rust's eligibility, saying he does not live within the precinct.

According to a report in the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Guthrie said, "I have numerous videos of Rust leaving his residence at 425 Spring Street and by law he is ineligible to take office and I will file a grievance with the election commission."

Rust responded that the building at that address is his business and that his personal address in the district.

"He can claim whatever he wants. He's just being a sore loser," said Rust. "I've lived in the same home for eight years."

Guthrie also complained that his political signs were being removed from around town. Rust said that TxDot removes signs when they are in the right of way. Rust had several signs removed earlier this year.

Guthrie said he lost the election because of Rust's negative advertising and false information printed in the media.

"I had no resources to counter it," said Guthrie. "It will come down to where he lives, and we will see what the courts say."

The two were the top votegetters in the four-man March primary, with Guthrie leading with 40.1 percent of the vote, followed by Rust with 27.8 percent. Terry Brunk and Rod Langlinais were a distant third and fourth.

Although Guthrie received the most votes in the primary, Rust entered the run-off with the endorsement of several law enforcement organizations, as well as the support of outgoing Pct. 3 Constable Danny Smith.