The Johnson County Republican Party nominated Lori Cardella for the upcoming county Board of Supervisors election on Jan. 19, 2010.

The seat was vacated when former Supervisor Larry Meyers died on Sept. 22. A committee consisting of the Johnson County auditor, treasurer, and recorder appointed Janelle Rettig to the spot in October.

After she was approached by the Johnson County Republicans, Cardella collected more than 8,000 signatures to initiate the special election, said Deb Derksen, Johnson County Republican Party cochairwoman.

“We wanted someone who feels passionately about the issues, and we feel that she is very qualified,” Derksen said.

Cardella will run against Rettig, who is the Democratic Party’s nominee.

— by Scott Raynor