Flannery 'relieved' after primary win, while Thomas comes to terms with unexpected loss
As votes continued rolling in Tuesday night, a newcomer to politics grew confident he would secure a Republican nomination for Franklin County commissioner.
John Flannery expected to be the favorite among voters in the Greencastle and Mercersburg areas, where he is a known business owner, but he did not expect to do as well as he did in the Chambersburg area. He won more votes than six-term incumbent Bob Thomas in the majority of the area's precincts and received the most votes in several.
In the end, Flannery secured 29.9% of the 26,636 votes cast. Dave Keller, a three-term incumbent, won the second nomination with 26.9%. Thomas fell to third with 25.7% and Julia Lehman, the county's communications coordinator, finished with 17.2%.
Flannery told Public Opinion Wednesday that while he was optimistic going into election night, he was not confident in the beginning.
"My first feeling was relief. I was relieved that the hard work, I was starting to see the past four months worth of work pay off," he said Wednesday when asked how he felt when it became clear he had won.
More:Live results: See primary winners for judge, county commissioner and more
Flannery - who owns John Allison Public House in Greencastle and the Dressing Room retail store in Mercersburg, and is the former owner of Flannery's Tavern in Mercersburg - said he plans to meet with county officials so he can educate himself on county operations and get acclimated to what will likely be his new role. The three-person board of commissioners is the county's chief governing body.
He said he recognizes however that there is a chance he could lose in November, and he will take that campaign seriously.
But the first thing he will do is get in some rest and relaxation on a one-week vacation with his wife starting Wednesday afternoon. After all, not only was Tuesday their 25th anniversary, but they had to postpone the trip so Flannery could be here for the election.
"I really want to thank the voters. I made a commitment during the campaign that will serve them. I appreciate they chose me and understand the message they sent to the current commission," Flannery said.
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Whether or not that "message" is to blame, Thomas is now dealing with the unfamiliar feeling of losing an election after almost 25 years in office.
"Frankly, no, that was not expected," Thomas said Wednesday. As of about 11:45 a.m., he said he had already taken down the majority of his campaign signs and took them to recycling.
"I'm washing my hands of politics at this stage in the game. That's (the recycled signs) a clear indication."
Used to being the top vote-getter, Thomas said he was confident going into election night that his reputation, accomplishments and experience would be enough to secure a winning outcome. But his loss made him reconsider his decision to spend no money on this re-election campaign.
Thomas said he is concerned about what will happen to the programs and initiatives he is currently leading, such as a push to improve early childhood education and criminal justice reform. With his departure, the county will "lose an advocate at the national level," he said, pointing to his invitation in April to the White House and connections that he said have enabled him to secure meetings between local, state and federal officials.
"What's next" is a question Thomas hasn't begun to think about, and didn't consider possibly having to. For now, he said he thanks voters for all the years of support and confidence.
"II really appreciate it. I hope that my legacy is one that will be remembered of doing a good job."
Keller, the second-place finisher, provided this statement: "I'm thankful for the support of my family and friends, and for the support of Franklin County voters to serve another term as commissioner. I look forward to campaigning over the summer and into the fall to earn the support of all voters in the general election."