The Butler County Democratic Committee is endorsing Kevin Boozel and Jerry Johnston to be the party nominees for county commissioner.

Boozel, 43, of Mercer Township, and Johnston, 65, of Butler Township are two of four candidates seeking one of two Democratic nominations in the May 19 primary.

The other two candidates are incumbent Commissioner Jim Eckstein and county planning director Dave Johnston.

Boozel, the PA 211 Southwest project manager for the United Way of Allegheny County, netted the most votes at 25.

“I’m proud to be one of the endorsed candidates,” Boozel said in an interview.

He said candidates should be working with the committee just as a commissioner needs to bring people together.

Boozel said he’s already brought disparate groups together in discussions.

Jerry Johnston, a marketing coordinator for Butler County Community College, also was pleased with the committee’s endorsement.

“I’m deeply appreciative of the support of the local Democrats,” Johnston said.

Eckstein, 58, of Butler Township said he’s glad to not be endorsed.

“I asked to not be endorsed,” he said, referring to a comment he made during an interview. “I am very pleased with the results. They did what I asked to do. They listened to me for a change.”

Eckstein said the lack of a Democratic endorsement could only help him,

“I believe they maximized my credibility with all the working class constituents regardless of their party affiliations,” he said.

Georgiann Kerr, committee chairman, said Eckstein’s reputation isn’t tied to endorsements.

“His record shows his credibility,” Kerr said.

The committee held a debate Tuesday for the candidates.

Dave Johnston, 59, of Saxonburg, said he wasn’t surprised by the results of committee voting.

“I attended the debate in good faith, but knew the candidates to be endorsed were chosen before I entered the race,” he said.

Johnston said Kerr was seeking endorsements for Boozel a week before Johnston announced his candidacy.

“It’s unfortunate that the committee has elected to endorse candidates in the primary,” Johnston said. “That could result in fewer Democratic candidates running for office in the future.”

Kerr said the committee’s endorsements are beneficial for the party.

“It’s going to make the candidates stronger,” she said. “And future candidates will come to us for our endorsements.”

Committee member David Kerr agreed.

“We endorsed two very fine candidates,” he said. “It’s sour grapes from Dave Johnston.”

Kerr pointed out Dave Johnston switched parties in December.

Eckstein refused to participate in the debate, citing the committee’s choice to keep the event closed to the public.

The debate covered the topics of county services, senior centers, Butler County Community College, housing, education and natural gas drilling.

“I think the debate went really well,” Boozel said. “I felt really good about it.”

Johnston said the debate covered relevant topics.

“I enjoy the opportunity to talk about important issues the county faces and will face for years to come.”

Following the debate, 31 committee members voted. Three members abstained. Each member could vote for no more than two people.

Boozel received 25 votes, Jerry Johnston garnered 22 and Eckstein got two. Dave Johnston received no votes.

Jerry Johnston said the one thing all three debate participants agreed on is hard work would be required for the county to regain respect.

Dave Johnston agreed, saying he wants to “re-establish professionalism and respect back into the county commissioners’ office.”

Eckstein blamed his fellow board members for any image problems the county has.

“I’ll do my best to rectify that,” he said.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said Eckstein is deflecting where the blame actually lies.

“Jim is responsible for all the disrespect the county has been shown at this time,” McCarrier said.

McCarrier and Commissioner Dale Pinkerton are not seeking re-election. Eckstein said he would cooperate with whichever candidates win the seats.

“I want to work with others,” he said.

The Butler County Republican Committee is not endorsing commissioner candidates. There are 10 people seeking one of the two GOP nominations.