 In 1988, George H.W.Bush received 31,331 votes (68.8%) to 13,749 (30.2%) for Democrat Michael Dukakis.In 1984, Republican Ronald Reagan received 31,846 votes (74.4%) to 10,720 (25.0%) for Democrat Walter Mondale

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.