Hite wins Democratic nod on write-ins

Thirty-five write-in votes kept Brian Hite’s candidacy for South Whitehall Township commissioner alive after he lost in the Republican Primary Tuesday. 

Hite received 35 write-ins on the ballot in the Democratic Primary, which put him third for three spots, accord to Lehigh County Voter Registration Chief Clerk Tim Benyo. Glenn Block will also be on the Democratic ticket in the fall after getting 176 write-ins, as will David Bond with 89 write-ins. 

Block, Bond and Dale Daubert won Republican nominations Tuesday night for township commissioner. Being on both ballots gives Bond and Block a distinct advantage in November. “Usually when they win both sides, it’s pretty much a given that they’re going to win,” Benyo said. 

Hite’s 35 write-in votes put him just ahead of R.A. (Rene) Rodriguez, who received 27 write-ins, according to Benyo. 

Hite said he appreciated the effort those 35 people made to write-in his name on the Democratic side and said he looks forward to running against Daubert in the fall. "We both have our strong points and I admire Dale for having served South Whitehall residents for decades," Hite said. "I don't think it will be a bitter election. I'd rather focus on the positive points of both candidates and let the voters decide."