Republicans decisively won the three contested county commission seats Tuesday.

Larry Dillard, Robbie Hayes and Rick Shepherd all gathered at least 70 percent of the vote in their races.

In District 6, Dillard won his fifth term, beating Democrat Cindy Bell. With all but provisional ballots counted, Dillard earned 8,012 votes (73 percent) compared to Bell’s 2,983 (27 percent).

“I’m just grateful for all the support I’ve received,” said Dillard. “I’ve always done by best to support the people and work with other commissioners to make Shelby County even better.”

Dillard said he plans continue working to fix traffic problems and build more parks and greenways.

“We’ve got to try to put a plan before the people to solve some of our traffic problems,”

In District 8, political newcomer Rick Shepherd won against Independent Terry Reagin. Shepherd gathered 8,392 votes (73 percent), while Reagin had 3,150 (27 percent).

“I think we have a great county commission, and I’m very happy I’m going to work with these quality people,” Shepherd said.

In District 9, incumbent Robbie Hayes won his first full-term. Gov. Riley appointed Hayes to the commission in 2005.

Hayes earned 10,488 votes (81 percent), compared to Democrat Carolyn Shields’ 2,413 votes (19 percent).

“I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to serve,” said Hayes. “I think we’ve got a lot of good things to continue.”

On the national scene, Shelby County overwhemingly supported Sen. John McCain. The Arizona senator earned 77 percent of the county’s vote, while president-elect Barack Obama had 23 percent.