 Graves received more votes than Barkley in Paducah, but McCracken County's rural farmers gave Barkley the victory, 1,525 votes to 1,096; Cross came in third with 602 votes.This was the only time Barkley ever challenged an incumbent Democrat.Taking office in January 1906, Barkley saved taxpayers over $35,000 by challenging improper charges to the county.