Garvey Wins Caucus for County Board

Melissa Bondi, whose troubles with unpaid taxes bothered her throughout the last couple weeks of the race, took second in the five-way race with 966 votes, besting Terron Sims II by just 44 votes. Kim Klingler took 333 votes and Peter Fallon received 178.

In an email to supporters, Garvey thanked all her supporters including the local politicians who endorsed her, adding, “I would especially like to thank the other candidates. It was a race between five well qualified Arlington Democrats, and I'm particularly thankful for the kindness they showed me on the campaign trail.”

Votes were cast over two days, Thursday night Jan. 19 and all day Saturday Jan. 21 in a party caucus, which is different from a primary. A primary is government-run and open to the public at large. A caucus is run by the party, and therefore the party can restrict the voting, in this case to Democrats. Before a voter could cast a ballot he or she was required to sign an oath pledging to support the winning candidate.

Officials said they heard some complaining about the oath. None of the voters interviewed expressed deep concern for the oath, but some wondered about the need for it.

Voters interviewed said the process went smoothly despite long lines at times.

Garvey faces Green Party candidate Audrey Clement and Republican Mark Kelly in the special election March 27. The winner fills the county board seat vacated by Barbara Favola, who left the county board for the Virginia Senate.