Cavalier mulls another run for sheriff
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

CORNING - Retired Steuben County Inv. Wayne Cavalier last week said his decision to run for county sheriff this year will rest mostly on the role his party takes before the primary.

Cavalier, 68, of Corning, was defeated in his bid for sheriff in the 2004 Republican Primary, losing to incumbent Sheriff Richard Tweddell, 6,110-4,067.

Tweddell went on to win that November, and is currently considering a bid for his third elected term. He was appointed to succeed retiring Sheriff Walt DeLap in 2000.

Cavalier said his loss in 2004 was discouraging, largely because some Republican leaders rallied behind the sheriff before the primary.

"I lost faith in the Republican system of fair play," Cavalier said.

In particular, Cavalier blamed county Republican Party Chairman William Hatch for his loss.

"Bill's the one who was instrumental in getting Tweddell elected," Cavalier said. "All I'm asking is a fair playing field. Hatch didn't do that the last time."

Hatch said he was Tweddell's campaign manager during the last two elections and will manage the sheriff's campaign if he decides to run again.

But if Tweddell steps down, Hatch said he would not actively support any other candidate.

"I feel incumbents should have support," Hatch said. "I'm there for (Tweddell). He's done a great job."

In the past, the county Republican Committee has endorsed candidates before the primaries, despite criticism within its ranks. A substantial number of local Republicans argued early endorsements discouraged voters from participating.

Last year during the party's reorganization, members agreed to wait until after the primaries for their official endorsement.

Hatch said he still believes the party should endorse candidates before a primary.

"It's strictly financial," he said. "It just costs so darn much nowadays. I think it's a sensible approach."

Each Republican official still has the right to support his or her choice of candidates, he said.

"I can support anyone I want as Bill Hatch," Hatch said. "Just not as Bill Hatch, GOP chairman."