Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Earnhardt vs Antosek

Watching the election results tonight for Rowan County, NC, where Bobbie Earnhardt has a lead and 61% of the vote. So far, 27 precincts have reported in. That's 27 out of 44 so I guess technically, it's still anyone's race.

Bobbie Earnhardt has been the registrar in Rowan County since being appointed in the early 90s. She's an elderly "That's the way we've always done things and I'm not about to change now" kind of woman.

Apparently in a weak moment, a software company executive encouraged her to change and ever since, she's been publishing the full document images of her fellow citizens for the whole world to see, and all for free.

Sally Antosek, her opponent, is a banking executive with Wachovia in Charlotte, NC, and savvy to the dangerous marriage of the internet and finance. She, too, lives in Rowan County and is one of those people who sees a problem and sets out to fix it. Even if the odds aren't in her favor. Even if it's inconvenient. Sally Antosek is a woman who simply will not tolerate injustice.

This just in:
Bobbie Earnhardt: 10,139
Sally Antosek: 5,965

What those numbers really reveal is that there are at least 10,139 ignorant people in Rowan County. Not bad people. Not stupid people. But ignorant people. Because how could anyone even minimally educated vote for a person who defiantly, proudly, places her constituents in grave danger? So we have to assume these people are ignorant to the danger and just plain loyal to the person whose name they know the best or have heard recommended in conversations like this one:

"Well we're voting for that Bobbie Earnhardt, you know, so-and-so's cousin. Loretta's neighbor's Sunday School teacher's friend. You know her, don't you? Or I think you've seen her? No? Well we all sat across her and her husband at Cracker Barrel Saturday night. Wait, that was Bud and Ethel.."

Bobbie Earhardt: 12,051
Sally Antosek: 7,321
Precincts reporting: 34

I spoke with Sally Antosek today and wished her well, and she was as perky and happy as ever. "Oh I've already won!" she said. "My goal was to stop the publishing of online records in Rowan County and that's well under way. Citizens across the county are now demanding that their information be redacted. Class action attorneys are looking into this situation. By faith and persistence and educating the public, we've already won!"

Bobbie Earnhardt: 13,578
Sally Antosek: 8,485
Precincts reporting: 40

Earnhardt has to feel a little bittersweet watching the count tonight. Because even if she wins, she loses, since the problems, publicity, lawsuits, and demands by her citizens will only increase until she takes action - something she has vowed not to do. Her fiercely supportive registrars across North Carolina should pay close attention to Bobbie's big win as their troubling future unfolds before their eyes over the coming months.

Final Count
Bobbie Earnhardt: 14,894
Sally Antosek: 9,630

Look closely at the numbers. Because of Sally Antosek, nine thousand six hundred and thirty people are now informed on how to better protect themselves and are aware of one of their greatest dangers; their current register of deeds, Bobbie Earnhardt.

I placed a call to Sally just now asking for a quote on the outcome of the election.

"Victory is sweet!" was her genuine, bubbly reply.

Considering the change she's brought about in one rural county in North Carolina, I wonder if she'd consider running for president?

If you aren't sure whether your current registrar is a Bobbie or a Sally, get in touch. I'll be happy to check your records free of charge - and let you decide for yourself.

www.FindMyID.com