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| Election Hearing Produces No Results |
A public electoral commission hearing has yet to decide the fate of one Independent candidate in Knox County.
A hearing was set to discuss the challenges brought against the nominating petitions of Penny Williamson, who is attempting to run for Knox County Treasurer as an Independent.
If the challenges are found to be true, Williamson would not be permitted on the November election ballot. The challenges were brought about by three Knox County Democrats, Norm Winick, Jim Jacobs, and Steve Buck.
The challenges and Williamson's defense were heard by a three member panel composed of State's Attorney John Pepmeyer, County Sheriff David Clauge, and Circuit Clerk Kelly Cheesman Tuesday.
But Williamson tells WGIL she does not believe she received a fair hearing.
"Several of those people that signed her ballot were sitting on that panel, which I believe is a serious conflict of interest," Williamson said.
Williamson is referring to incumbent Democratic candidate Robin Davis. Both Pepmeyer and Clauge confirmed during the hearing they had signed Davis' petitions.
The panel, however, did not render a decision in accepting the challenges or not, so Williamson's fate is not yet known. The panel said they intend to make a decision "in short order."
The three Democrats contend Williamson caucused as a Republican in March, among other things.
A number of witnesses confirmed Williamson's participation during the hearing but she still contends the meeting was not a caucus. |
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| 07 07 10 by Newsroom |
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