Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Candidates Express Surprise, Shock At Last Tuesday's Vote

There were some surprises in the May 21 preferential primary election.

The first being the Nevada County Sheriff's race. Incumbent Harold Vines was forced into a runoff with first time candidate Steve Otwell. Themious Lindsey made a poor showing for third.

However, the winner of this race in the June 11 runoff will have to continue their campaign until the November General Election. Independent candidate Johnny Campbell has made sure the sheriff's race will last all year long.

In addition, Sandra Rodgers and Steve Buelow are in a runoff for the democratic slot for State Representative District 28.

The winner of the June 11 runoff will be pitted against GOP contender Tim Cornelius.

Davis Benton, chairman of the Nevada County Election Commission, said early voting has already begun for the runoff election and ends June 10.

Those wanting to cast their ballots early for the runoff can do so at the Nevada County Clerk's Office.

With new rules for this election, Benton said, there were few complaints and problems. Most, he said, didn't want to tell which ballot they wanted.

This problem won't exist in the runoff election as there will be no Republican candidates competing.

Benton said there was a good turnout for the election as about 60 percent of the eligible voters casting their ballots.

Vines said he would have liked to win without a runoff. "I didn't get out and see the people like I should have," he said. "I felt running the sheriff's office was more important.

"Now, I'm going door-to-door as much as I can. I'll get out and see as many people a possible."

Otwell is using the same strategy, knocking on as many doors and seeing as many people as possible.

"I'm tickled to be in the runoff," he said. "I'm honored to make it against a first term incumbent. The people have made a statement, and we'll do what we can to make sure that statement is heard."

Otwell said it came as a shock to be in a runoff. "I'll be glad when it's over with," he said. "It's been a real learning experience."

Win or lose, Otwell said, he plans on being friends with Vines.

"It's not often a first term incumbent is forced into a runoff by a first time candidate," he said. "My mission is accomplished whether I win or lose."

Vines said he realizes by doing his job he will make people mad at him.

"I hope the people turn out and vote (in the special election)," he said. "I've been out since the election, but there's no way I can get around like I did the first time."

Rodgers was also stunned to be in the runoff for state rep. She said a runoff was expected as four candidates were vying for the democratic slot on the ticket for the General Election in November.

"I'm tickled to be in the runoff. I will work hard like I've been doing and ask the people to support me. I've said all along I'm the people's candidate.

"A lot of changes need to be made. We need to get government back in the hands of the people. I oppose special interest groups running the government."

Rodgers said three weeks is a long time, but it will be fun and go by quickly.

Buelow thanked the voters of the district for their support in the primary election and hopes they turn out again for the runoff.

He said one of the most positive things about the race is there was not negative campaigning by any candidate. "I'd like to thank Don Worthey and Robert Arnold for the way they ran their campaigns," he said, "and would like their supporters to consider me in the runoff.

"My strategy will be essentially the same as it has been in the last 60 days. I'll keep talking about the issues important to the voters." These issues, he said, include education, economic development and sound fiscal management on the state level.

"The race was closer in Hempstead County than Nevada County, and I did well in Nevada County. I'm pleased with the way things went there.

"It was evident in Hempstead County it was a three person race, and we all had good support.

"I look forward to the runoff and feel as the voters look at the issues and what a representative can do for them, I'll be the one who can best represent them in the legislature."

Buelow said his campaign is working on its weak areas and will basically encourage voters to go to the polls on June 11.

"I feel good about things," he said, "but there's still a lot of work to be done."