Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rodgers Next Win Must Come In November

In the beginning there were four hopefuls for the spot as State Representative from District 28.

Two were eliminated in the May 21 primary, leaving two others to compete for the position in a June 11 runoff.

When Wednesday, June 12 dawned, only one was left to continue the race for the office in the November 5, general election.

There is a Republican candidate for the spot as well, Tim Cornelius.

Steve Buelow, the insurance company owner from Hope, expressed surprise at the loss.

However, he thanked the people of Prescott and Nevada County for their support and the victory in this county.

"The people there were very nice in their reception of me and my family," he said. "We established what I think will be long friendships and relationships there.

"I'm disappointed with the loss in Hempstead County, but I look forward to spending more time with my family and business commitments."

Buelow wished Sandra Rodgers, who defeated him, well in her quest for the office.

"I'm taking it a day at a time," he said. "I've always been active in community affairs, and will continue to be active in those areas."

Rodgers, on the other hand, was "on top of the world," following the election results.

She stayed at home to listen to the election results, instead of bouncing between the Hempstead and Nevada County courthouses.

"I'm still tired," she said of the campaigning done.

Rodgers said the race was still a toss up with two boxes out in Hempstead County. Waiting for these boxes to be counted was a nerve-wracking experience. "I thought I'd throw up," she said of the anticipation and expectation.

"I knew it could go either way," Rodgers continued. "I was on pins and needles."

Once the final results were announced, those gathered at the Rodgers' home tossed Sandra into the pool to celebrate her victory.

It's back to a two-person race for the office, however, as Rodgers and Cornelius will square off for voters on Nov. 5.

She plans on taking some time off before hitting the campaign trail again, hoping to catch up on work which piled up while she went door-to-door from March until June 10.

""We've got to start over again," she said. "I'm taking some time off to rest first, then, I'll go back out.

"I'll keep doing what I've been doing; going out and meeting people. I'll run like I did and try to meet more people."

Rodgers said for the November run, she will work to meet those people she was unable to see during the primary campaign.

"I'll work hard to earn the people's support and the support of those who voted for the other Democratic candidates.

"I love it," she said of campaigning. "I always have loved being around people. It's been a lot of fun. I like to visit and have a good time."

Should she be elected in November, Rodgers said she would do everything she could to fight for the people of Nevada and Hempstead counties. "I have a genuine interest in the people here," she continued.

"It's been a long, hard campaign, and I was surprised when I learned I'd won (the primary)."

However, Rodgers kept a level head during the race. She said going in she knew it was a win or lose situation. "You have to be able to accept it if you lose.

"It was a bittersweet moment for me (after winning), because I've been in politics before with Danny (her husband) and lost.

"I feel for those who lost. I know how hard they worked and campaigned."

Rodgers said she will be a servant to the people of Nevada and Hempstead counties if elected in November.

"I've always done volunteer work," she said, "and I'm looking at this the same way. It's a chance to serve the people.

"I think the key (to winning) was personal contact with the people, but I still have a long road ahead of me."