Tim Neese cruised to victory in the Republican primary today for the District 48 seat in the Indiana House, beating back a challenge from Jerry Brewton.

With ballots from 113 of Elkhart County’s 117 precincts counted, Neese, who’s seeking his sixth term, had 3,370 votes, 59.8 percent of the total. Brewton had 2,120 votes, or 37.6 percent, while Randall Weinley, the third GOP contender, trailed far back with just 166 votes. No Democrats are vying and unless Elkhart County Democratic officials slate a competitor, Neese faces a clear path to Indianapolis in the November general election.

The electoral battle between Neese, who runs the Solid Waste Management District of Elkhart County, and Brewton, who runs an Elkhart area insurance agency, grew heated at times. Brewton lambasted Neese as a double dipper at the public till stemming from his job at the SWMD, a state-mandated body, and his House post. Neese criticized Brewton for playing fast and loose with the facts.

District 48 extends across Cleveland, Osolo and Washington townships in northwestern Elkhart County and northern Concord Township. It includes northern Elkhart and Bristol.