Despite criticism about putting family members on the payroll, Republican incumbent Sally D. Coffelt beat Democratic challenger Cynthia Pruim Haran in the race for the Lake County circuit court clerk.

With ballots in all precincts counted, unofficial results showed Coffelt with 133,558 votes and Haran with 124,604 votes. The totals do not include all early voting, absentee or provisional ballots.

The issue of family hiring in the Lake County circuit court clerk's office became a focal point in the contentious race. Haran blasted Coffelt for what she said is a pattern of Coffelt putting her relatives on the payroll.

Haran was also critical of what she said is an outdated computer system in the clerk's office.

Coffelt, 60, not only disagreed with Haran, she cited the automation of her office as one of her best achievements during her 28 years as circuit court clerk.