Board of Elections member criticizes some Democrats

Haake

A member of the Chesterfield Board of Elections (CBE) criticized some fellow Democrats last week for speaking out about the performance of Chesterfield Registrar Larry Haake for mistakes made during the Feb. 12 primary when some precincts ran out of ballots.

Earnest Harris, an African-American and a Democrat who serves as secretary of the CBE, said at the monthly Democrat's meeting that he "was thoroughly disappointed in some of the leadership of the Democratic Party."

Harris acknowledged that mistakes were made, adding, "We should move forward. It was not a conspiracy."

Later this month, the State Board of Elections is scheduled to issue a ruling on the primary, which is likely to be critical of Haake. "It really doesn't concern me about what the state board says," Harris told the Democrats.

Haake's job is secure for the time being since he reports to the CBE and not to the state board. Two of the three CBE members - Harris and Horace Mann, the Republican who is president of the CBE - have endorsed Haake. Mann has called Haake's overall job performance "outstanding."

The third CBE member, Democrat Ree Hart, has stayed neutral since she was just appointed on Mar. 1. The Chesterfield Circuit Court appoints CBE board members after receiving nominations from both parties. The CBE has two Democrats and one Republican because the board majority must be the party of the current governor, Democrat Tim Kaine. For Haake to be terminated, two of the three CBE members would have to favor firing him for cause.