SPRINGFIELD — Jason Bragg and Walt Lawson emerged from the five-candidate pack in the Effingham County Clerk of Superior Court race.

Bragg and Lawson qualified for an Aug. 11 runoff after finishing first and second, respectively, in a June 9 contest that also included Barbara Cauley, Audra Battle Jennings and Christina Wilson. Bragg collected 3,154 votes to Lawson’s 1,727.

“I’m excited,” Bragg said immediately after the votes were counted at the Effingham County Elections & Registration Office. “We are ready to get this behind us so that we can get to work and move the clerk’s office.”

Bragg eyes were bleary as he accepted handshakes and congratulatory words while heading toward the exit.

“I am exhausted,” he said with a laugh. “It’s been a long day. It’s been a long six months (of campaigning).

“We started his campaign in January and that hard work has paid off tonight. I’m thankful for all the supports that I have in the county.”

Bragg said hopes voters who chose other candidates will consider him in the runoff.

The Herald was unable to contact Lawson. On his Facebook page, however, he wrote, “Time to get to work. I want to thank EVERYONE that has supported me thus far.”

Lawson obtained an endorsement from Jennings. On her Facebook page, she said, “Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to form a friendship with Walt Lawson and I believe he is the best choice for clerk of Superior Court. Walt believes in our community and has a excellent background in technology that will be key in helping Effingham County grow. He is not a politician. He is a neighbor and friend.”

Jennings garnered 612 votes. Cauley and Wilson received 1,669 and 1,322, respectively.