Posted on 11/12/2005 8:44:14 PM PST by LdSentinal
Octavia Johnson pulled off an election night surprise in Roanoke, beating incumbent Sheriff George McMillan in a close race and becoming the first Republican to win a city constitutional office in 16 years.
A political novice just four years ago, Johnson will become the first woman and first minority sheriff in the Roanoke Valley.
Johnson, a retired city sheriff's deputy who ran against McMillan four years ago and lost, was so excited and out of breath when she learned of her victory Tuesday night that she appeared close to hyperventilating as she entered a Wyndham Hotel ballroom to chants of "Sheriff! Sheriff! Sheriff!"
Johnson told the crowd that she will "restore professionalism" and provide "innovative leadership" as sheriff.
Going into Tuesday's election, it was unclear how publicized sexual harassment allegations against McMillan by a former employee would affect his re-election chances. McMillan, who has been sheriff for eight years, maintained that he was undoubtedly the more qualified candidate and deserved another four years.
Johnson stayed away from the sexual harassment issue publicly, saying only that the situation was McMillan's "personal tragedy." She said Tuesday night that she didn't think the allegations had that much of an impact on the race because it was so close.
Others said there's no doubt the sexual harassment question severely damaged McMillan's campaign. David Nixon, one of Johnson's top campaign strategists, said several Democrats told him after the allegations were made public that they'd be voting for a Republican, in Johnson, for the first time.
McMillan, who has disputed the lawsuit against him, said it was politically motivated by the Johnson campaign.
In his concession speech, McMillan wished Johnson luck, but also said that her campaign was "malicious."
"They made people believe I was something that I was not," he said. "I am disappointed that I let my employees down. They deserve better than this."
He commended Johnson for her campaigning savvy, though, saying, "They pulled some smart moves. She wouldn't debate or go to the forum. If people heard us together they wouldn't have voted for her. It was a smart move on her part and that's politics."
He later said he was worried because he fears a lot of sheriff's office employes will lose their jobs when Johnson begins her tenure.
Johnson, who received more balanced support across the city than she did four years ago, said she won't make any changes in the sheriff's office until she has time on the job to evaluate
Knocked off the Democrat incumbent in VA? Looks more and more like Kilgore just ran a bad, bad campaign and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Typical excuses for why he lost. I am surprised he didn't demand four recounts of the votes.
Here's the big question - will she sign off on Form 4's?
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