Sat Nov 07 2009
By TODD HELBERG
Opposing candidates for three contested party races in Defiance County spoke Friday at the Defiance County Republican Women's luncheon, but you could hardly tell they are rivals.
All Republican candidates for county office in the March 4 primary -- opposed and unopposed -- were invited to the event at Charlie's Down Under Restaurant as were those seeking to represent county constituents in state and federal offices. And, while most unopposed candidates showed up, the most interest was reserved for those running opposed within GOP ranks.
Perhaps the most closely watched is the Republican race for prosecutor where assistant county prosecutors Carson Slade and Morris Murray are trying to win the nomination. The winner would face at least Democrat Tim Holtsberry in November, as independents have until March 3 to declare their candidacies.
The two Republicans want to replace longtime county Prosecutor Jeff Strausbaugh, who is running unopposed for the probate and juvenile judge seat.
Murray noted that he has 23-plus years experience in the prosecutor's office, so he believes he's the most qualified. Even so, he was conciliatory toward his opponent, saying: "I have the utmost respect for Carson (Slade) as a criminal prosecutor."
Murray is most well-known as a prosecutor and administrator for the Defiance County Child Support Enforcement Agency, but he's also had experience as a law enforcement officer. During his early years, Murray was a police officer.
"I tell you this just so you know it still has an impact on me," he said. "There is no bigger supporter of law enforcement than me."
Under his guidance as administrator, Murray said the county's child support office also has been "recognized as the highest performing agency in Ohio. So, I'm proud of my record."
Slade also made mention of hers, saying she's been a full-time assistant prosecutor since 1994.
At present, Slade said she has an "active (criminal) caseload" of 190, and has handled "over 1,500 cases in the last five years by myself."
She said that's one reason she has obtained the endorsement of the Defiance Police Officers Association and the International Union of Police Officers.
If elected, Slade said she will be a "full-time prosecutor, meaning I would be solely" dedicated to "prosecuting cases." She would also keep the office structured as it is now.
Too, Slade made mention of her community activities and memberships which include presidency of the Defiance County Republican Women organization; and membership in the Zonta Club, PTO and St. John United Church of Christ.
The other contested county race is for recorder. Three Republicans -- Cathy Behringer, Cecelia Parsons and Karen Zirkle -- want the job.
Behringer works in the recorder's office while Zirkle is employed by the county auditor's office and Parsons works as a title searcher and closing agent for Stephen K. Snavely Co. LPA.
Noting that her job has taken her into county recorder offices throughout the area during the past several years, Parsons said, "I have learned so much over the last seven years. I've watched the way they handle their offices. I'd just like to take that knowledge gained and use it ... ."
Zirkle can claim the most experience with 22 years in county government, including work in the recorder's office before becoming a deputy auditor.
"That experience has given me a well-rounded idea of what goes on," she said. "The public and title searchers expect prompt, courteous service and I want to continue that. My years of experience give me a rapport with the rest of the offices."
Keeping her comments the most brief was Behringer who said, "I am committed to the position, and I would appreciate your support."
Republican's three U.S. 5th District candidates were also asked to attend, although only one could make it.
Scott Radcliffe of Perrysburg said driving through Defiance "reminded me of what motivated me to run." Specifically, he was referring to the hard work required to undo damage from last weekend's flooding.
"It motivates me to want to represent you and give you strong representation," said the Iraqi war Army veteran, son of an FBI agent.
He said he wants Congress to "take action to keep our citizens safe" and to "jump start the economy" while the health care issue needs a "conservative approach."
The 5th District incumbent, Bob Latta, sent a representative, Ben Yoho.
He said Latta, who is "getting things done in Congress," has received endorsements from the Ohio Right to Life as well as the Buckeye Firearms Association.
Yoho called the $4.4 billion that 5.3 million Ohioans will get from the economic stimulus package that Latta supported a "good start to get money back in taxpayers' wallets."
The third Republican candidate for congressman, Michael Reynolds of Columbus Grove, was not on hand.
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