Posted on 10/28/2009 10:16:25 PM PDT by MitchellC
State board of election members today decided that a closely watched runoff in a Wake County school board race should proceed.
On a 4-1 vote, board members ruled that candidate Cathy Truitt's name should remain on the ballot even though she sought to withdraw her request for a runoff. If her name gains the most votes, the school board would fill her seat.
John Tedesco, a critic of current school board policies, including forced busing for diversity and mandatory year-round schools, placed first in the Oct. 6 primary. Because he failed to gain a majority of votes, second-place finisher Truitt asked for a runoff. Then she changed her mind.
"We expected such from the board," Tedesco said. "We just hope there is time to educate nearly 7,000 voters who may have been confused by all the on/off mixed messages. We are mobilizing door knocks, mailings, phone calls, events and press conferences."
Board member Anita Earls said there should be a high bar against discounting votes that have already been cast, as they have been in early voting in the race.
"Proceeding with the runoff elections is required by state law," said Earls, a Democrat.
Truitt was not legally able to make a request to withdraw, Earls said.
If Truitt were to get the most votes in the Nov. 3 runoff, her position would be declared vacant under the law, Earls said.
Board member Bill Peaslee contested Earls' motion to have the election continue.
"If she wants to rescind it, I think it's her call," said Peaslee, a former state Republican Party chief who was the only dissenting vote. Asked to settle the question, the county elections board had passed the decision on to the state board.
"On Oct. 21, she came into our office and stated that she would like to withdraw her request if possible," said Cherie Poucher, director of the Wake County board of elections.
Poucher said that Truitt could still become a board member if she receives the most votes, because she has not officially withdrawn as a candidate.
"Or she can withdraw as a candidate -- then if she receives the most votes, the seat would be vacant when the new board is sworn in," Poucher said in an e-mail.
"(Incumbent) Horace Tart remains on the board until his successor is 'qualified.' But at this time that is a moot point since she has not withdrawn her candidacy."
If Truitt were to get the most votes in the Nov. 3 runoff, her position would be declared vacant under the law, Earls said.
And if the seat is vacant, that leads to a 4-4 deadlock, which means the current social engineering policy does not get overturned.
If you live in Wake County's 2nd District, or know someone who does, get out the vote this coming Tuesday (Nov. 3rd)!
If you live in Wake County's 2nd District, or know someone who does, get out the vote this coming Tuesday (Nov. 3rd)!
Despite his opponent withdrawing from the race, the SBOE has ruled that John Tedesco needs to receive a majority of the vote this Tuesday to win the seat!
Much appreciated.
Bump to the top
So Wake has no at-large seats on the school board?
Thanks for the info. I live in the district, but in unincorporated area and that is the only issue I can vote on. If I hadn’t learned this I would have thought no need to go!
No prob - please spread the word!
Not that I’m aware of. Candidates are elected to represent respective districts.
That’s not to say they couldn’t run in multiple districts (AFAIK), however I have no idea what would happen if the same candidate won in two different districts. I don’t know the law in this matter.
My guess would be another runoff.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.