Jerry Daniels, Humboldt, won the Republican nod Monday in the closest primary vote in Allen County Commission history.
Daniels’ name was picked in a blind drawing to become the Republican nominee after a recount confirmed a tie vote between Daniels and his opponent, Jim Mueller, Moran.
Daniels’ name was picked from a bowl by County Commission Chairman Jim Talkington after the hand recount agreed with the electronic tabulation — a 255-255 tie — from the Aug. 5 primary.
Daniels and Mueller were seeking to replace the outgoing Dick Works on the commission.
Mueller said after the meeting he would not seek a second recount, calling such a maneuver “a waste of money.”
Daniels told the Register he planned to immerse himself this fall in issues facing the county.
“I’m going to sit in on meetings to get fully aware of all the issues and details by January,” Daniels said. “If I don’t come to meetings, I’ll review the notes and visit with the commissioners to get up to speed so it’s a seamless transition.
“I’m very happy for the support,” he continued. “It was very professional, and I think people were glad to see it was an honorable race. To come up with a tie and then tie-breaker is pretty rare.”
Unprecedented, in fact, for a race of this magnitude.
While township votes have resulted in ties, this was the first for a County Commission seat.
The next commissioner will be seated in January. Daniels faces no Democratic opponent.
Drawing gives Daniels GOP seat
