Doug Groh will move a few feet down the Mower County government center to his new job in January.

Groh was elected Mower County Treasurer Tuesday. He defeated Lynn Koch, 8,545 to 6,804. That's a 55 to 45 percent margin, according to unofficial results.

After falling behind by 400 votes when the city of Austin's six voting precinct totals were counted, Koch fell further behind in the outlying areas, where Groh said he had campaigned the hardest.

"I worked hard. I wanted to make it a close race from the start, so I'm not really surprised by the outcome or the margin of the victory," he said.

Groh walked in parades and knocked on doors in every Mower County community. "I don't know how many chicken dinners I have been to."

He will take office in January 2003, replacing long-time Mower County Treasurer Ruth Harris, who is retiring.

Koch was magnanimous in defeat. "Doug ran a good race. I wish him well in the job."

Koch made his debut in elective office politics and he said it was a "learning experience."

Groh is now the chief deputy Mower County Auditor and said he pledges to be a "pro-active county treasurer" in his first four-year term.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com