2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
NIFONG HOLDS OFF CHEEK
Many students dissatisfied with incumbent DA's victory
By: Rob Copeland
Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: News
Last update: 11/8/06 at 10:04 AM EST
Last update: 11/8/06 at 10:04 AM EST
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Nifong, a Democrat, received just less than half of the approximately 53,000 votes cast, garnering 49.1 percent of the vote. Lewis Cheek, an unaffiliated candidate, received 39.3 percent. Write-in candidate Steve Monks, a Republican, received the remaining 11.6 percent.
"I'm relieved to have it over," Nifong said after viewing the results. "It's only fair to say that winning is not an unmitigated blessing because I have the hardest job in Durham for the next four years."
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He said he viewed the results as an affirmation of his work as district attorney.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm doing the job the right way," he said.
Although Nifong declined to comment directly on the lacrosse scandal, some of his supporters endorsed his handling of the case.
"He made a human response to a terrible thing that came to light," said Douglas Nydick, a Durham resident and former prosecutor in Brooklyn.
Cheek was subdued as the results came in, standing mere feet from Nifong as the vote totals were announced at the Old Durham Courthouse in the heart of downtown.
"This election was never about me, it was about the things I was saying," Cheek said. "A lot of it has to do with a rush to judgment-an inappropriate rush to judgment."
Senior Tony McDevitt, a defenseman on the men's lacrosse team, said the players are keeping their spirits high despite Nifong's victory.
The lacrosse team helped lead the campus to the polls in recent months by passing out voter registration forms and encouraging students to follow through Tuesday.
"This was a way to possibly slow down Nifong or end [the case] earlier, but by no means are we destroyed," McDevitt said in a telephone interview.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
duke p.
posted 11/08/06 @ 10:33 AM EST
Reading this article, it is very apparent from the Durhamites' comments that they have little concern for justice. It is simple. They hate Duke and want to see innocent people sent to prison just so they can show Duke who controls the power in town. (Continued…)
Mike N.
posted 11/08/06 @ 10:45 AM EST
"Do you think this sweater makes me look fat?"
Um, no, Mike, it's not the sweater!
P. McElroy
posted 11/08/06 @ 12:31 PM EST
To Harris Johnson,
Is justice the railroading of three innoncent men just because they are white? It is statements like Mr. Johnsons that show why Nifong won. (Continued…)
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