by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Several local politicians are lining up for a possible run for the supervisor of elections job left vacant when John Stafford resigned earlier this week.
City Council member Jerry Holland, a Republican serving his second and final Council term, has already contacted local party leaders Mike Hightower and Tom Slade to discuss his candidacy.
“I am thinking about it, but it is a difficult decision to have to make,” said Holland Wednesday. “A lot of people have asked me about my intentions, and by Friday, I plan to make an announcement.”
Others Council members possibly considering a run include Lad Daniels, Faye Rustin and Suzanne Jenkins.
“Yes, I have heard that about each of them,” said Tax Collector Mike Hogan. “(Former Council member) Gwen Chandler and State Rep. Dick Kravitz are too. It should get pretty interesting.”
Kravitz said he, “would not speculate at this point.” The others could not be reached for comment.
“No, I haven’t even considered it. I’m busy preparing for the next session in Tallahassee,” said Kravitz. “It’s flattering, but I don’t even know how my name got onto that list.”
And though no one has officially announced their candidacy, one thing that will likely be missing on election day is Stafford’s official endorsement.
“You’ll hear a lot of names, but honestly I don’t think you’ll be seeing (Stafford) backing anyone,” said local political consultant John Libby, who worked on Stafford’s previous campaigns. “A lot of people are going to try to go for that job — I’ve even been asked if I would be interested — but I doubt John will back any of them.”
According to Elections office spokesperson Erin Moody, Interim Supervisor Bill Scheu has no intentions to run for the job.
“No, he does not,” said Moody. “Mr. Scheu is serving at the request of the governor. That is all.”
The governor will set a date in the next six months for a special election to fill the job.