A Republican avalanche at the polls Tuesday buried the Democratic and incumbent opposition, in what one local politician characterized as a mandate for change.

Nearly 44 percent, or 12,945 of Walker County’s 29,706 registered voters, flocked to the polls Tuesday, helping the Grand Old Party sweep the region.

“We think we got a mandate from the people that they want change,” said state District 52 Senator-elect Preston Smith, R-Rome.

Smith ousted 12-year incumbent Richard Marable, D-Rome, with 16,935 district votes, or 54.2 percent. Marable collected 14,304 district votes. In Walker County, Smith collected 2,035 votes, or 60 percent, while Marable garnered 1,339 votes.

Floyd and Chattooga counties and portions of Bartow, Gordon, Walker and Whitfield comprise Senate District 52.

“As (Republican governor-elect) Sonny Perdue says, ‘This election was about the power of the people versus the people of power,’ and all across the state, we saw that message being sent.”

“We said from the beginning that this election in the 52nd district is about three things,” Smith said. “It’s about strong leadership for northwest Georgia, better education and more open and honest government. I think all three of those messages have resonated with the voters.”

“We’re obviously very pleased that the (voter) turnout was very high, and we are pleased with the message that we believe the voters sent with their vote,” Smith said.

“We are expecting to be able to do a lot of work in the Senate this year, particularly in Walker County where (state Sen.) Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) and I will be able to work together,” Smith said. “In some ways, we can give Walker County two votes in the Georgia Senate, which will for the first time make Walker County have a stronger position than it has historically had in terms of its voice in the Georgia legislature.”

Marable conceded to Smith’s victory.

“The voters have spoken, and their voice was loud and clear,” Marable said. “I certainly have enjoyed serving the 52nd District for the past 12 years. We did our best while we served, and I certainly wish Mr. Smith well.”

Marable said the freshman class of legislators need to remember to “work hard. It’s not the easiest job in the world. When you make a decision it’s kind of like officiating. Some of the folks like your calls, and some don’t. At next election time, you just have to be sure that more like them than don’t.”

Marable said he plans to spend his retirement from education and the state Senate to finish some chores around the house and, for now, to watch the leaves change.

Newcomer Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, unseated 17-year incumbent Mike Snow, D-Chickamauga, by a slim margin of 195 votes to take state House District 1, which consists of all but the northwest cusp of Walker County. Walker voters gave Neal the nod with 4,850 votes, or 51 percent, versus Snow’s 4,655 ballots.

“Hey, I won,” Neal said. “It’s not an easy thing to beat a 17-year incumbent. Rep. Snow had a strong base, and they were energized and got out and voted. We were able to offset that and come off with a win.”

“The first thing I want to do is get in there and begin to establish the relationships and networks that are necessary for me to be an effective representative and to learn what it takes to get the things we need done,” Neal said.

Neal said he realizes he does not yet have the clout to push through legislation.

Although Snow lost his reelection bid, he said he is happy for Neal and with the close margin of the election.

“I was very happy with my vote compared with what the other Democrats got in Walker County,” Snow said. “There might have been 200 or 300 votes from people against me on the crematory issue, but I’m not sure. I think it (his loss) was mostly the Republican push.”

“I don’t have any regrets at all,” he said. “I thank the people for giving me a very positive vote in this very close election,” he said. “Sometimes in life doors close, and other doors open. There is life after politics.”

Snow said for nearly two decades, he spent about 75 percent of his time tending to legislative duties and plans to redirect that time into developing his garden nursery in Rock Spring.

“I wish Mr. Neal well and will certainly assist him in any regard that I can,” Snow said. “I wish him the best. I hope and feel he will try to do what is right for the people of this county.”

At the local level, Alan Painter, R-Chattanooga Valley, swept past Brent Barnes, D-Chattanooga Valley, to take the Walker school board Post 3 seat. Painter received 6,282 votes, or 55 percent, of cast ballots. Barnes took 5,211 votes.

Painter will succeed Mike North, who chose not to seek reelection.

“I want to publicly thank Brent and Tammy Barnes for taking time out of their personal lives to mount a campaign, because speaking for my family, it creates an extra set of demands that we have never experienced before,” Painter said. “In any election, competition is always healthy. I think the overall community benefits from that.”

“As one member of a five-person board, I think it’s going to be incumbent on me to be a very good listener, and I’ve already had a very limited discussion with (Walker schools superintendent Roy) Sapough,” he said. “I’m looking forward to expanding that with other department heads as our schedules allow.

“That way I can start getting a feel of the day-to-day responsibilities of the school system, and how I, as a board member in conjunction with other board members, can best frame any sort of decision-making processes.”

“I’m very grateful to the voters of Walker County for choosing me to serve. I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

Barnes, on Wednesday, did not return a telephone call requesting comment