It's one and done for John Linder.
The incumbent Democratic mayor of Chester will not be getting a second term.
He wasn't toppled by Republicans, but instead by his own party.
The fractured Chester Democratic Party is now solidly standing behind longtime state Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-159, who rolled to a big win over Linder in yesterday's Primary vote.
Unofficials results show Kirkland leading Linder by 1,000 votes.
The Dem feud split the city, with both Linder and Kirkland fieling their own slate of candidates for City Council and other city positions. Kirkland's team, which includes incumbent city council members Nafis Nichols and Elizabeth Williams, won big.
Kirkland will now tangle with a very familiar face in November.
Former Mayor Wendell Butler will top the Republican ticket as he seeks his old job.
Kirkland served 12 terms in Harrisburg, but it's not exactly been a secret that he's had his eyes on the mayor's office for some time.
His differences with Linder focused on the police department. Kirkland was critical of one of Linder's first moves, demoting Darren Alston and bringing in veteran Joe Bail. Kirkland ripped the move and said Linder and Bail were out of touch with the community.
As usual, Linder was a class act in accepting defeat.
"If this is what the citizens want, then so be it," he said. "I'm all right with that."
I liked John Linder.
But I'm not sure he was cut out for politics.
For one thing, he always told you exactly what was on his mind. Believe me when I tell you that's not something that happens all the time.
Linder was a longtime educator. He likely just learned a fairly tough political lesson.
I hope he stays involved.
Chester needs more people like John Linder.
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