Support for deceased candidate throws curve at Kerr race

Pat Tinley was a three-term incumbent who stressed transparency. Pat Tinley was a three-term incumbent who stressed transparency. Image 1 of / 173 Caption Close Support for deceased candidate throws curve at Kerr race 1 / 173 Back to Gallery

Support for a recently deceased candidate raised the prospect of a runoff election in Kerr County, one of several outlying counties with hard-fought Republican primaries Tuesday for the position of county judge.

Kerr County Judge Pat Tinley, whose name remained on the ballot after his death from lung cancer Jan. 7, logged nearly 10 percent of early votes in the contest that also featured Bob Waller and Tom Pollard, both of Kerrville.

Pollard, 75, was leading Waller, 68, in early balloting. The winner will need to top 50 percent to avoid a runoff.

“A lot of people thought a lot of Judge Tinley, and they (voted for him) to honor him,” said Pollard, an attorney.

But Waller, a banker, suspects some voters were unaware Tinley had died and said his name should have been removed from the ballot.

“I just don't think that's right, but there's nothing we can do about it,“ he said. “That's a game changer. He could end up with 1,000 votes.”

In most county judge races counties surrounding San Antonio, the Republican nominees selected Tuesday won't face a Democratic opponent in the general election.

And as in Kerr County, the contests in Kendall, Guadalupe and Medina counties didn't feature a full-term incumbent due to death, retirement or mid-term resignation.

In Guadalupe County, Pct. 2 County Commissioner Kyle Kutscher held a solid lead after early votes were counted over incumbent Larry Jones.

Jones, 63, is a former county treasurer who came out of retirement to win a special election 15 months ago to replace County Judge Mike Wiggins, who resigned in 2012 after being arrested for pot possession.

In Kendall County, incumbent Judge Darrel Lux held a slight lead in early votes over political newcomer Chris Taylor.

“I knew it was going to be close,” said Lux, 57. “I'm glad to be where I am, but it's a long way from over.”

He was in his fifth term as Precinct 3 commissioner when appointed in July to replace County Judge Gaylan Schroeder, who died soon after resigning in June.

zeke@express-news.net