By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The man who was appointed to take former McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorenson’s place now faces a primary election in which he, and others seeking the spot, are write-in candidates.

Scott Murphy told WJBC’s Terry James it’s a tricky situation to be in, especially considering Sorenson’s name is the only one actually on the ballot.

“One man on the ballot and he’s not really running. Four people running, but not on the ballot,” said Murphy. “It’s going to be difficult to make people understand that they need to write in a name and check the box.

“It’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be an uphill battle all the way.”

Diane Benjamin of Ellsworth, Garth Nicholas of Heyworth, and Mike Sumner of Downs are also seeking Sorenson’s spot on the Board.

Murphy said his focus right now is name recognition and educating the voters on who he is.

“I’m wanting to talk to the voters, wanting to talk to the rural voters,” said Murphy. “One of the things the Board wanted was they wanted someone that could represent ag, and I’ve been a farmer all my life. I’ve been around agriculture and employed in agriculture – self employed in agriculture.”

Sorenson resigned from the Board after being brought up on federal wire fraud charges.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].