Republicans to pick new Supervisor District II candidate tomorrow

            Franklin County Republicans will select a new candidate for Supervisor District II at a special nominating convention Friday night in Hampton.

            Three-term Supervisor Jerry Plagge, who narrowly defeated challenger Gary McVicker in the June primary, withdrew his name from the November election ballot earlier this week. The development necessitated a special convention to nominate a new candidate, which will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the Hampton Godfather’s Pizza meeting room.

            Only District II delegates will be allowed to select the new candidate. Franklin County GOP Chair Tom Crane said this was the first time he could recall such unique circumstances, and he said he brushed up on Iowa Code to make sure the special nominating convention is conducted according legal protocol.

            “It’s a one-of-a-kind type of thing for all of us. We’re all cutting our teeth on it,” he said.

            Party officials have a short timeframe to find Plagge’s replacement. The candidate filing deadline for the Nov. 4 election is Wednesday, Aug. 27, for county offices.

            Plagge’s term expires at the end of the year. He beat McVicker in the June primary, 206-203. McVicker was expected to challenge Plagge as an Independent on the November ballot, but could wind up the GOP candidate if the District II delegation selects him at Friday’s convention.