/ 4 May 2006

Candidate would have won if his sons had voted

You’re both grounded! Two voting-age sons of a northern Ohio candidate didn’t go to the polls on Tuesday, and their father’s race ended in a tie.

William Crawford, trying to retain his seat on the central committee of the Erie County Democratic Party, and challenger Jean Miller each received 43 votes in the primary balloting.

Officials plan to conduct a recount, but the race may have to be settled by coin flip, said David Giese, the county’s Democratic Party chairperson and an elections board member.

Crawford was able to laugh about it on Wednesday, but he said his sons are going to be getting an earful for skipping the election.

”Oh they will, let me tell you,” Crawford said.

Son Jim lives across the street from Crawford’s home in Castalia, about 72km south-east of Toledo, and son Andy is a college student who lives at home. Both are registered Democrats. – Sapa-AP