Candidates Primed For Final Haul

Soon, all those campaign signs and candidates at civic meetings will be gone.

Little is left but to finish voting and then count the votes.

The long, long campaign for four county offices and the president ends today when the polls close at 7 p.m.

The voters are not the only ones relieved that Election 2008 is almost in the books. The candidates are primed and ready to serve the public and slow down a little for a well-deserved rest.

On a county level, the Highlands County Sheriff's race likely attracted the most attention.

Sheriff Susan Benton said Monday that although there are some weaknesses, she firmly believes in the democratic process.

"The process allows our citizens to choose who will represent them, and that's the way it should work," said Benton.

Opponent Ron Grimming was impressed with the reception and positive reaction he received.

"I have tremendous respect for the democratic process," said Grimming. "It was an aggressive campaign - not a dirty campaign."

Former county commissioner Jeri Canale and former Sebring Councilman Jeff Carlson are squaring off for the District 3 Highlands County Commissioner's seat.

Carlson said it was a long year of campaigning, although he smiled broadly while waving a campaign sign at a busy U.S. 27 intersection Monday.

Canale started campaigning in earnest later than Carlson did, but also ran hard.

She commandeered a pontoon boat on Lake Jackson, within view of U.S. 27, and raised a huge campaign sign, just in time for the polls to open today.

Canale said the run gave her an uplifting feeling, and the campaign was extremely fair.

"It was awesome," said Canale. "People are great, and they're looking for change."

"The end justifies the means," said Carlson. "It's tough on everyone, but it's worth it to give back to the community - that's why we do it."

Mary Wilson and Bob Germaine are running for clerk of courts. This is their first run for a public office.

"I had no idea how hard it would be," said Wilson. "But there are a lot of people who get really educated, look at the different aspects and what (the candidates) have to offer."

Germaine said Monday that running for office gives a wonderful feeling, but puts stress on candidates because so many people are counting on them.

"There's a big difference between working for somebody and then being on your own," said Germaine.

Germaine said it was fair campaign.

"If I were to win by getting dirty, then I didn't want the job," he said.

Wilson was surprised that the political parties worked together more than she would have imagined previously, while she also referred to the contest as a fair campaign.

Guy Maxcy is running against Independent Zane Thomas for the District 5 Highlands County Commissioner's seat.

Maxcy is running for his fifth term as county commissioner and said he was quite surprised by Thomas.

"Out of all (five) campaigns, this was the most negative opponent of all," said Maxcy. "But I'm not whining...and not losing sleep."

Thomas did not return multiple phone calls.

Maxcy said he relearned that a candidate needs to keep grounded.

"Don't answer questions if you don't know the answers," said Maxcy. "Be slow to speak when you do speak, know what you're talking about."