It will be Branson vs. Kenney in the race to be the county’s top criminal prosecutor.

Lawrence attorney Charles Branson won nearly 60 percent of the vote Tuesday against Martin L. Miller in the Democratic primary for district attorney. Branson promised a competitive race against incumbent Christine Kenney, a Republican who hasn’t been challenged since taking office in 1996.

“Christine is very entrenched in that office,” Branson said as he watched results come in at the Douglas County Courthouse, 111 E. 11th St. “The county is not getting the service it deserves from that office.”

Branson, 34, ran on a platform that included a plan to create a consumer-protection office and improve services for witnesses and victims. He also says Kenney isn’t spending enough time in court prosecuting cases herself.

Miller, 56, a 23-year-legal veteran and former assistant district attorney, said he thought Branson won the race in large part because he spent time networking with influential Democrats and attending party functions.

“I have not been planning a political career. That’s the difference,” Miller said. “If I had been, I probably would have been out there attending more of that stuff.”

Kenney, who was unopposed in the Republican primary, declined to give her thoughts about facing Branson in the general election. Kenney said her campaign would focus on her track record, regardless of the challenger.

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