Waterbuffalo
07-27-2008, 08:57 PM
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/07/07262008_GOP-precinct-officers-rebuff-17th-Districts-Dunn.cfm
Joseph James, a Republican candidate for the legislative seat held by Republican Rep. Jim Dunn, has won the endorsement of 17th District GOP precinct committee officers.
James won 16 of the 17 votes cast in the Thursday evening secret ballot. Dunn, who is a precinct committee officer in the 17th, received one vote. Two officers abstained from voting.
“It’s clear that the district is ready for new leadership and I’m pleased to be their choice to work to earn their trust,” James said in a statement.
Ryan Hart, chairman of the Clark County Republican Central Committee, said he believes this is the first time 17th District Republican precinct officers have endorsed a challenger over the incumbent.
“It is the first time to my knowledge,” Hart said. “It is different this year with the top-two primary.” While the state GOP is not requiring local party officers to endorse in legislative district races with two or more Republican candidates, it is strongly encouraging those local endorsements, he said.
In the top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 19 primary will advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation or whether or not they received their party’s endorsement.
Democrat Tim Probst is also a candidate for the 17th District seat.
Joseph James, a Republican candidate for the legislative seat held by Republican Rep. Jim Dunn, has won the endorsement of 17th District GOP precinct committee officers.
James won 16 of the 17 votes cast in the Thursday evening secret ballot. Dunn, who is a precinct committee officer in the 17th, received one vote. Two officers abstained from voting.
“It’s clear that the district is ready for new leadership and I’m pleased to be their choice to work to earn their trust,” James said in a statement.
Ryan Hart, chairman of the Clark County Republican Central Committee, said he believes this is the first time 17th District Republican precinct officers have endorsed a challenger over the incumbent.
“It is the first time to my knowledge,” Hart said. “It is different this year with the top-two primary.” While the state GOP is not requiring local party officers to endorse in legislative district races with two or more Republican candidates, it is strongly encouraging those local endorsements, he said.
In the top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 19 primary will advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation or whether or not they received their party’s endorsement.
Democrat Tim Probst is also a candidate for the 17th District seat.