Just like four years ago, incumbent Jim Nelson and challenger David Shoff will go head-to-head in November for the Freeborn County Commissioner District 3 seat.

“This is the same battle we had for years ago,” Shoff said. “I have a lot of respect for Jim Nelson.”

The final tally after the Tuesday primary was 266 votes for Shoff, a hotel manager, and 193 votes for Nelson, the incumbent. Albert Lea City Councilman John Severtson came in third with 176 votes, and Former Commissioner Keith A. Porter Sr. was fourth with 158 votes.

A total of 793 people voted in the Commissioner District 3 primary.

“It’s a relief both ways. It’s relief that you’re going to try and work for the county again, and it’s relief that it’s over,” Nelson said.

Albert Lea Ward 4 Precinct 1 saw a total of 469 votes in the District 3 primary. Porter received 88 votes, Shoff has 172, Severtson had 108 and Nelson had 101.

Albert Lea Ward 1 Precinct 1 had a total of 109 votes in the District 3 primary with 14 for Porter, 26 for Shoff, 17 for Severtson and 52 for Nelson.

Albert Lea Ward 5 Precinct 1 saw a total of 215 votes. Porter received 56, Shoff received 68, Severtson had 51 and Nelson had 40 votes.

The general election is Nov. 4.

Nelson and Shoff passed the primary in 2004 to vie for the District 3 seat.

“I did this four years ago, too. You always appreciate and you can’t thank the voters enough for voting me through the general election,” Shoff said.

The voters want to see a balanced budget and not property tax increases, according to Shoff. He said his platform was always to balance the budget through spending restrictions without relying on property tax income.

Nelson said he finds Shoff very intelligent.

“I’m looking forward to running with him,” he said. “I’m sure it’s going to be mostly about the budget.”

Shoff said he has a lot of respect for fellow challengers Severtson and Porter. Nelson said they both did a good job.

“It was close,” Shoff said.

“They both have a lot to contribute,” he said. “I appreciate their involvement in this campaign. I appreciate the ideas they brought to this campaign.”

In the end, it will be Shoff and Nelson debating their visions for the county not only for the next four years but for the next 10 to 15 years, Shoff said.