BRADENTON — Two Manatee County residents have submitted applications to Governor Ron DeSantis to be appointed as Supervisor of Elections when Mike Bennett retires on March 1: Bennett's Chief of Staff, Scott Farrington, and Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher.
Bennett, who is a Republican and previously served in the Florida Senate, made a strong recommendation that Farrington be appointed to the post.
"I cannot believe there is a better, more accomplished, or more knowledgeable person than Scott to fill this position," wrote Bennett in his resignation notice. "Scott has over twenty years of election experience and has been the key to the efficiency of this office and is well-known in the election community for his leadership and knowledge. So, I am asking that you look to Scott first as you seek the right candidate for the position to ensure that the upcoming elections proceed with as few conflicts as possible."
Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary will occur just 17 days after Bennett’s retirement. The state and local primaries will then take place in August, and then the presidential election in November.
Farrington, who is also a Republican, has served 11 years as the number two in Bennett's office and had previously served as a top official in Sarasota County's SOE office. He is the only certified elections administrator in Manatee County and also holds the title of Florida Master Certified Election Professional.
Satcher was elected to the District 1 seat in 2020 and is up for reelection this year. So far, he has drawn one opponent in the Republican primary and another in the general election. Multiple sources told TBT that developer Carlos Beruff and political operative Anthony Pedicini traveled to Tallahassee during the last week of January to lobby on Satcher's behalf. Pedicini denies having traveled to Tallahassee that week or lobbying the DeSantis administration on Satcher's behalf.
Unlike Farrington, Satcher has no background or relative experience in the oversite of elections. Prior to his election to the county commission, he had a somewhat spotty resume, claiming to have been a preacher in Georgia and to have helped administer a non-profit with his wife that seemed to largely focus on attempting to convert exotic dancers.
Whoever the governor selects will finish Bennett's term, which ends this year. Farrington has already filed to run for the seat.
This article was updated on Feb. 21 at 8:39 a.m.
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Debann
SIGN THE PETITION FOR SCOTT FARRINGTON...GO TO SCOTT FARRINGTON FOR Manatee County supervisor of elections..HE IS THE ONLY ONE QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB...Satcher is UNQUALIFIED FOR THE JOB...He isn't even remotely good as a Commissioner ..we need some one that we can TRUST IN OUR LOCAL ELECTIONS. .especially when there's SO MUCH CORRUPTION IN OUR COUNTY ..SIGN THE PETITION
Tuesday, February 20 Report this
David Daniels
Let the Governor know Manatee County demands an appointment based on experience and qualifications - Satcher has neither. Email the Governor at: https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/
Wednesday, February 21 Report this
san.gander
So, what will we have for an elections supervisor? A qualified Republican with experience or the unqualified one who is the favorite of a politically connected area developer. I am not willing to make a bet on the qualified one... as corrupt as Republicans have become in this state.
Wednesday, February 21 Report this
andreart
So, we have someone who is asking to be appointed to this very critical position during a presidential primary and general election. Satcher has ran for office against, Buchanan and Whitmore and lost. He won District 1 thanks to the help of those that didnt know him. He will make way more than the $100,000.00 he is making now. NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS ROLE.
We cant afford to screw up this upcoming election. We will be a joke over the entire state. Farrington needs to be appointed and let Satcher run in November. He will lose as he knows nothing..
Wednesday, February 21 Report this
Smartins
One party rule in this county and state have been disasters. Will DeSantis do the right thing in this instance? Don't bet the farm.
Thursday, February 22 Report this
WTF
There is absolutely no value to appoint Satcher, not even a nao-second is Satcher qualified. Satcher is not even "under-qualified" to be consider for this appointment. OMG..stick a fork in Satcher..he's done.
Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. — George Jean Nathan
Thursday, February 22 Report this