By Marcia Moore
Snyder County District Attorney Michael H. Sholley garnered a majority of both Republican and Democratic votes Tuesday to snare both nominations for Union-Snyder county judge and effectively block any challenge in the fall election.
Home turf was a deciding factor in the primary race.
According to unofficial results, Sholley, of Middleburg, received a total 3,226 Republican votes and 1,193 Democratic votes compared to the 3,107 Republican votes and 1,089 Democratic votes received by Union County Assistant District Attorney Martin R. Wilson, of Lewisburg.
Lewisburg attorney Brian Kerstetter trailed with a total of 2,023 Republican votes and 741 Democratic votes.
“I knew it was going to be a tight race,” Sholley, 52, said. “I’m glad it’s over, and we can avoid any problems between either of the parties in the fall. All three of us invested a large sum of money and effort.”
Wilson declined to comment on the outcome Tuesday night.
“This has been a hard-fought campaign,” said Jeff Coleman, Wilson’s campaign consultant. “It’s gratifying to see the results out of his home county, where he received overwhelming support, and the strength he showed in Snyder County since he’s never been on a ballot before.”
Though Wilson wasn’t conceding the election, Coleman said if the vote holds, there will be no challenge.
“I don’t see any benefit in it,” he said.
Displeased with the results and low voter turnout — about 25 percent of registered voters went to the polls — Kerstetter said he had no regrets.
“I think we did everything we could and we ran a clean race,” the 35-year-old said. “It was a positive experience for me.”
The 10-year position on the court of common pleas overseeing civil, criminal, orphans and family court in the 17th Judicial District opened up following Judge Louise O. Knight’s announcement that she was retiring at the end of this year and wouldn’t seek retention.
Sholley, who wouldn’t speculate on his win, complimented his opponents for waging a clean campaign and thanked his supporters.
“No one gets to succeed in public office without the tremendous support of family, friends and supporters,” the three-term district attorney said.
Tired, but thankful, Sholley said all three candidates worked hard the past three months and he’s glad to not be facing another grueling campaign.
It was especially difficult and emotionally draining for Wilson, Coleman said. His father, retired Union County Judge. A. Thomas Wilson died in February and his mother, Doris, died Saturday, on the eve of the primary.
