According to attendees, the Columbia County Democratic Committee required two votes last night to determine who it would recommend to the Board of Supervisors to be the party’s next Elections Commissioner
No discussion among Committee members of the four candidates was possible after each made their presentations—because the vote was last on the agenda, and party leadership had failed to secure the basement meeting room in Valatie past 9:30 pm.
Reportedly, candidates Erin Stamper and Virginia Martin received all but one or two of the votes on the first secret ballot, with neither breaking 50% of the weighted total. A mystery candidate from Clermont or Copake received the remaining support. Chatham Republican Maria Lull, who threw her hat into the ring, got 0 votes.
On the second ballot, it appears a few people moved their support to Martin, giving her just enough over 50% to become the recommended candidate.
It now remains to be seen whether the Democratic Caucus of the Board of Supervisors will accept this narrow outcome when they appoint Commissioners for 2020-2021. Meanwhile, it is unknown whether Republican Commissioner Jason Nastke is facing any opposition.