A lawsuit against current Sebastian County Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins will move forward even after he loses the primary election.
Republican candidate Denora Coomer defeated Blevins in Tuesday’s election and said she has plans to turn the office back around.
"I think just to lead by example, and that's what my record will show,” said Coomer. “I'm going on my experience, leadership, and ethics in the work place."
With a lawsuit looming over Blevins’ and his office, Coomer says her first priority, if elected, is to rebuild the team.
"To me, that's the primary goal is to get the office back in shape and get it running then we can venture onto new things," said Coomer.
Blevins, who was elected to the position in January 2011, is accused of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and other claims against women in the workplace. Blevins fired Cassie Vega and Tyanna Caldwell, but a grievance committee overruled his decision allowing the women to come back to work. He maintains the accusations are false and says he will fight the lawsuit.
"His loss in the election doesn't change the lawsuit at all," said attorney Kevin Hickey.
Hickey says even though Blevins will soon leave the office, his clients still have the right to sue.
"Damages and the things that happened to them happened entirely while Mr. Blevins was the circuit clerk and continue to happen," said Hickey.
Coomer has been Court Administrator for 28 years. If she’s elected, she says her first plan is to change the work environment.
Coomer will face Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Kathy Guthrie in general elections this November. Guthrie is the only Democratic candidate running for the position.