After an unsuccessful bid for Whitley County Sheriff earlier this year, longtime 3rd District Constable Jim Thornton has decided to throw his hat back in the ring for that office as a write-in candidate.
“In running for sheriff, my desire was to serve the entire county instead of just my district,” Thornton said. “But I have learned that so many people in my district want me to stay where I’m at. So many people have approached me, asking me to run again. That’s why I am doing this.”
Thornton finished third out of six candidates for sheriff in May’s primaries, finishing behind Willard Scott Bunch and primary winner William “Bill” Elliotte. He bested Kenneth Mobley, B.J. Leach and Tim Baker to finish right in the middle of the pack.
Should Thornton be successful in his quest to resume his previous post, he will be resuming duties that he has handled for 12 years. That experience, he says, is what sets him apart.
“I think the district is worried about the inexperience of my opponent,” Thornton said. “Experience is big, and right now my focus is on being constable and continuing to serve the people of the 3rd District.”
As a write-in candidate, Thornton’s name will not actually appear on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 8. Voters wishing to cast a vote for him will need to fill in the appropriate box, and actually write the name in on the form before submitting it.
