Keith Branch

AllState Insurance executive Keith Branch, a Smithfield native and current resident of Wilson's Mills, was third with 28,190 votes, while Peggy Smith, a 20-year Johnston County Schools employee and former principal of East Clayton Elementary School, captured the fourth and final seat with 27,896 votes.
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Branch, 44, another lifelong county resident, credited that background and his approachable manner as owner of the Clayton AllState office with helping in his election.

"I also feel my platform [which stressed his experiences as an investigator in the state auditor's office] came into play, especially in the current economic climate," Branch said. He has listed greater fiscal responsibility in planning and maintaining the annual school budget as one of his priorities as a board member.

of Commerce President Keith Branch said he didn't "know

Keith Branch of Allstate Insurance said Monday afternoon it was too early to assess the extent of the damage.

"The way our claims system is set up we get most of our claims filed on a 1-800 number to our central office and then we're informed as they're processed," he said."But just this morning we've had 10 claims filed here at this office and we've talked to about five or six others who've filed through the national office.And based on conversations I've had with other area agents, that's typical for what they're getting."

Branch said he'd heard of hail denting, and even penetrating, roofs and home siding at the height of the storm, which lasted about 10 minutes.

Pictured from left to right are; Keith Branch of Allstate, Sally Schlindwein Executive Director of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Tony McKinney of RE/MAX Classic Realty and Dede Bumgarner, 2007 Diamond Dip Winner.

In a letter dated November 5th, the Board noted that Collins accepted business contributions (in-kind contributions from Donald Keith Branch of Allstate Insurance and Michael Lazzara (Yes, the City Councilman)), paid cash for advertisement purchases, and submitted campaign finance reports late.