Blair Wins Nomination for Republican Marion County Sheriff Candidate
Published October 10th, 2012
OCALA - Late Wednesday evening, in a packed auditorium at the Marion County Republican Headquarters, Chris Blair won the nomination to represent the Republican party in the sheriff's race.
He received 34 out of 56 votes from the Republican Executive Committee members.
He will face off against Constitution Party candidate Bernie DeCastro in November's general election.
(Earlier Story)
The Republican Executive Committee office is filling up with residents, candidates and committee members and in 30 minutes the REC will hold a special meeting.
Eleven candidates will give five minute speeches and then the 60 member committee will vote on a new republican candidate for sheriff of Marion County.
"I don't think five minutes is enough to convince anybody," Paul Nubile, a 17-year Marion County resident said. "I think they ought to just make Blair. He was the runner -up and had quite a few votes."
During the primary election, Dan Kuhn defeated Chris Blair with 53 percent to Blair's 47 percent of the vote. But Kuhn dropped out of the race last week after allegations arose about an extra martial affair.
"We believed we were going to win that election," Blair said. "I think the community was with me. I had more supporters I believe than he did. We were surprised, totally surprised."
REC Chairman Roy Abshier says the process calls for the committee to vote for the new nominee.
They decided the fairest way to handle the situation is to let those who are interested apply. The candidates range from law enforcement officials, business owners, and attorneys.
Some people believe it's going to come down to Don Moreland who is a former sheriff and Blair.
"This is a first time process," Blair said "I think they are learning as they make the moves and I think it's going to be well. I think we are each going to get an opportunity to address the community and they will make the decision."
Because the ballots have already been printed and shipped, voters will see Dan Kuhn's name, not Blair's, on the ballot in November.
However a vote for Kuhn means a vote for the new republican sheriff nominee.
Reporter:
Yaremi Farinas
