The 2,312 uncounted absentee and provisional votes could change the result of the Republican primary for the Athens County Commissioner race, but it appears Larry Payne has won.
Payne, the member services coordinator for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, earned 391 more votes than Joe Yanity, collecting 1,641 votes to Yanity's 1,250 votes. The two Republicans and seven Democrats ran for a chance at Bill Theisen's former seat, which carries a salary of $55,524.
A group of Payne and John McCain supporters gathered at the home of Randy Morris, Payne's treasurer, last night, but Payne and some of his family and friends spent part of the night at the courthouse waiting for results.
We're expecting a victory tonight
said Hector Flores, one of Payne's supporters who was at the party.
Several Democrats approached Payne today and told him that they planned to vote for him in November, Payne said.
Payne's appeal to both Democrats and Republicans aided him in the primary, said Megan Payne, the candidate's daughter, who is serving as a campaign consultant.
The first thing Payne plans to do is form a campaign committee comprising Democrats and Republicans as well as plan an April fundraiser at Toscano's.
If elected in November, Payne's first act as commissioner will be to speak with Athens business owners about their needs.
Payne will continue to serve the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce but will take a leave of absence in October to campaign, he said. He will still aid in promoting Athens holiday-season shopping.
I absolutely wish him (Payne) the absolute best said Yanity, Canaan Township Trustee and former co-worker of Payne's at Columbia Gas of Ohio, after losing to Payne.
It was a positive race Payne said, adding, It's nothing personal.
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Brigitta Burks
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