Dougherty accepts designation. (Photo/Conrad Baker)
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The Livingston County Republican Committee unanimously seconded the nomination of incumbent Sheriff Thomas Dougherty for the November election.
Committee member Peter Dougherty, Thomas Dougherty’s father, nominated him for Sheriff at Thursday’s Repubican Committee meeting. No challenger candidates have come forward so far, but other committees have yet to hold designation meetings.
“Back in 2012, this young fella comes along and says he’s going to run for Sheriff. I said ‘are you sure?'” said Peter Dougherty. “He was 31 years old at the time. He said ‘I’m going to work very, very, very hard. We’re going to get the young people behind me and we’re going to move this county forward. I’m going to run a clean campaign.’ And his platform was positive change. We’ve had a lot of that lately.”
Tom Dougherty first thanked his dad for the nomination.
“As my dad said, 2012 and 2013 were very difficult, challenging,” said Tom Dougherty. “I’m glad it’s behind us. I’m glad everyone’s come together. Gathered everybody under the tent, as my dad likes to say. That heartfelt nomination by my dad says a lot. He’s always been my number one supporter. My mom may argue for that position, but he worked so hard and continues to. Everything I’m made of is a direct result of my parents, so dad I love you, I appreciate that. That’s special and I won’t ever forget that.”
He thanked his supporters for their hard work.
“I know knocking on doors doesn’t mean a quick signature, it’s a conversation,” said Tom Dougherty. “That conversation and your leadership in your communities with the folks you interact with, they look to you to know who to vote for a lot of times. A lot of times they’re busy in the rat race of life and they just don’t know so they say to you, ‘you as a Republican leader, who should I vote for?’ So it’s not just the passing of petitions and that kind of work but it’s the fundraisers, the barbecues. It’s your good opinion on candidates. So from the bottom of my heart I thank you, and thank you for the nomination. I humbly accept.”
The election is Nov. 7.
Peter and Tom Dougherty hug after the nomination. (Photo/Conrad Baker
Dougherty at center after nomination. (Photo/Conrad Baker