Busick Decides Against Write-In Campaign

BERLIN - District 6 Worcester County Commissioner Linda Busick, defeated by a challenger in the recent primary, has nixed a write-in campaign to attempt to retain her seat, after concluding that it would be too difficult to bring the campaign to fruition.

After last week's primary, Busick, who lost to Republican challenger Jimmy Bunting, was fired up to continue pursuing her seat and secure a second term on the county commission through a write-in campaign.

Busick has rethought that decision in the last several days. She confirmed yesterday that she has decided against pursuing the write-in campaign because it would be too difficult to make it a success.

The primary margin was too large, she believes, to make up in the general election.

'We could have gained enough votes to make the margin very slim but probably not enough to win,' said Busick.

It would also be difficult to educate voters on write-in voting, which requires typing in the candidate's exact name, she said.

Busick also feels she would have had to put out a mailing, educating voters on the write-in process, and she does not have the funds in her war chest for that.

'I'm not going to ask for money from anyone else,' said Busick.
Busick still is not sure why more of her supporters did not turn out for the Sept. 14 primary.

'When I went door to door, I was well received,' said Busick. 'I don't know why they didn't come out to vote •€¦ this is why it's important for people to vote in primaries and why it's important for every party to have a candidate.'

Tom Cetola, the previous commissioner for District 6, lost to Busick in the 2006 primary and also vowed a write-in campaign. He was not successful in that effort.

Last week, Busick declared her intention to battle on despite her 62 percent to 38 percent defeat.

'I'm not going down without a fight •€¦ This has not gotten me down. It's gotten me a little bruised but what else do I have to do? I'm going to do it,' she said.

Now that Busick has decided to sit out any further campaign, Bunting will proceed through the general election in November unchallenged.  

Busick will continue working to help the people of Worcester County in some capacity, she said.

'I loved my job and I worked as hard as anybody and probably harder than most,' said Busick this week.