Former Republican Party Chairman Files Objection to DePoister's Candidacy for Board

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Published on July 6 2016 7:23 am
Last Updated on July 6 2016 7:23 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Former Effingham County Republican Central Committee Chairman Steve Donaldson Tuesday filed an objection to Mike DePoister appearing on the November election ballot.

Donaldson cited a state statute that reads that anyone who voted the ballot of an established political party in a primary election cannot run as an independent or the candidate of another established political party in the general election that same year.

When asked why he filed the objection, Donaldson said the statute reads that if someone voted as a Republican in the primary, they can't run as an independent or a Democrat in the general election.

At the time he announced plans to seek re-election to the Board as an independent, DePoister said he had learned that "certain members of the (Republican Central) Committee were supporting his opponent in the primary election." He said, "Not only is this tactic unprecedented, it is also inappropriate for a number of reasons."

Asked about that Tuesday, Donaldson acknowledged that he supported DePoister's opponent, John Perry, for the Republican nomination in County Board District E. He said, "I had supported (Perry) because of a personal relationship and his work as a precinct committeeman." He said, "I had no problem with Mike, and no ill will."

The objection will be considered by an Electoral Board made up, by statute, of Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler, County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel, and Circuit Clerk John Niemerg.

The Electoral Board will meet to consider the matter at 2pm Friday in the Effingham County Government Center. The meeting is open to the public.