Kelly Atkinson was ready for Election Day to end hours before the final ballot was counted.
"The sun will come up tomorrow," said Atkinson, who was defeated Tuesday in the West Jordan mayoral race by political newcomer Donna Evans.According to unofficial results, Evans bested the former state lawmaker by more than a two-to-one margin - a sharp turn-around since October, when Atkinson collected more than half of the primary election vote.
Indeed, a little sunshine would likely be welcomed by Atkinson, who endured several dark weeks campaigning amid allegations of sexual harassment and past indiscretions.
"Without question, the allegations influenced the election," he said. The media's slanted coverage of the race can also shoulder much of the blame, he added.
"The written press did a great disservice by misconstruing the facts," said Atkinson.
The 46-year-old candidate was especially critical of the Deseret News, saying the publication filled its pages with weighted, unbalanced stories about Atkinson.
"It was the single worst coverage we got," said Atkinson.
Atkinson said he understands that West Jordan voters were hesitant to elect a mayor "embroiled in controversy," adding that his focus now is an upcoming court date where he can face his accusers and restore his reputation.
Meanwhile, West Jordan will have a new mayor in Donna Evans.
Incumbent Max Hogan did not seek re-election, saying he pledged to be a one-term mayor and now wanted to spend more time with his wife.
Evans, 41, conceded she was probably the beneficiary of a few anti-Atkinson votes but added "that's always true whenever you're running against a known political figure."
The mayor-elect said she worked "extremely hard" after the primary, visiting voters one-on-one and waging an aggressive campaign.
Evans hopes to spend the next four years bringing government a little closer to the people and effectively planning the city's commercial future.
Providing the city with a firm identity is another goal, she added.
West Jordan City Council candidates mingled around City Hall until almost 1 a.m. when the final ballots were counted.
In the end, incumbents Brian D. Pitts and Gordon M. Haight were successful in their re-election bids.
Pitts secured one of the two four-year seats by a relatively comfortable margin, but Haight had to wait until the final tally before edging out Carolyn Nelson by about 100 votes.
Challenger Monty S. Young finished far behind.