GOP taps Thurber for elections

7/25/2002

Republican activist Sam Thurber was named to the Lucas County Board of Elections last night, replacing Dee Talmage, who is stepping down at the end of the month.

Ms. Talmage, in a letter to the party's executive committee that voted on Mr. Thurber's nomination, said she believes it was time for her to step down to open a way for a new generation of Republican leaders. He will fill out the remaining 21 months of her term of office.

Mr. Thurber, 35, is an electrical engineer. He has never held a public office, but has worked as manager on his wife Maggie's three successful campaigns for clerk of Toledo Municipal Court. She last won re-election last year to another six-year term. Mr. Thurber said he looks forward to learning the finer points about the elections board from fellow board member Tom Noe, who is also a Republican.

Mr. Thurber was also named vice chairman of the executive committee last night. “I was looking for someone who would complement my strengths,” said Chairman Bernadette Noe, who named him to the slot.

“I need a grass-roots person” who oversees the placement of campaign lawn signs and the organization of campaign volunteers during campaign season.

Also named as officers of the committee were Tara Johnson, who will serve as secretary, and Susan Gilmore, who will act as treasurer. Ms. Gillmore, a former Democrat who was spokeswoman for Ray Kest in last year's Toledo mayoral campaign, switched to the Republican Party after the November election.