That doesn't give us much hope for getting a quick pick for marshal. The problem with delays is what it means for the Franklin County sheriff's office, which has been under fire ever since Lathim ran for re-election in 1998. His challenger back then, a corporal in the department, raised concerns about Lathim's management of the agency, concerns that re-emerged last year after Lathim did little to discipline a deputy who pleaded guilty to roughing up a suspect in police custody. Lathim was re-elected with less than 54 percent of the vote in that 1998 election, not a particularly good showing for a sheriff who had been in office for 12 years. Still, it was voters who decided he should stay, and it should be voters who decide who would replace him.
Timing is key.
If Lathim is picked, it would be up to the Franklin County commissioners to pick a replacement from a list of three candidates forwarded to them by the county's Republican Central Committee. That appointee would move into the job immediately but would have to run for election in the next general election. Otherwise, voters could be waiting almost a year and half to have their say. That's a problem because it effectively eliminates the chance for a wide-open race. A vacancy in the sheriff's office would be healthy, forcing voters to take a hard look at whom they want running it.