AUBURN - Four years ago, office seekers had to fight for their place on the ballot.

But this year's Cayuga County Republican Committee agreed unanimously on nominations during the designating meeting Monday evening.

The committee backed re-election bids by incumbent Cayuga County clerk Sue Dwyer and incumbent Auburn Mayor Tim Lattimore. They also endorsed Chief Assistant District Attorney Jon Budelmann's bid for district attorney.

“What a difference four years makes,” Dwyer said after receiving the unanimous nod for the position. “Last time I had to do this, it wasn't this easy.”

In 2003, three people sought the clerk's title.

Dwyer loves her job, which requires her to oversee the county's Department of Motor Vehicles office, clerk's office, historical office and records retention office, she said.

“It's refreshing to hear the unanimous voices,” Auburn Mayor Timothy Lattimore said. Last time he vied for the mayoral seat, he had to beat three other candidates to get his name on the ballot.

This year, Lattimore received the nod for Republican mayoral candidate immediately after his sister Melissa Entenmann nominated him.

Councilor Matt Smith also spoke about Lattimore's passion and commitment to the city. The mayor has spent his four years in office encouraging economic growth and alternative energy sources, Smith said.

“For $11,000, we get a lot from our mayor,” he said.

Lattimore already is following his father's footsteps. His father, Paul Lattimore, served as mayor from 1967 to 1983.

“I see qualities of (my father) in Tim. The passion and love - they have the same commitment to this great city we call home,” Entenmann said.

Lattimore said he would not oppose a cross endorsement from the Democratic Party.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jon Budelmann's name will appear on the ballot for county district attorney. He has worked as an assistant district attorney since 1995.

“I'm honored and humbled,” he said of getting the party's undivided support. “I'll work hard to earn their trust.”

Budelmann credits his legal experience, relationships with local law enforcement agencies, reputation for being strong but fair, and hard work for the county for earning the committee's nomination.

Attorney Michael Bass has said he also will run for the position. He plans to run on all other party lines. Bass unsuccessfully challenged incumbent James Vargason in 2003.

Candidates will begin circulating petitions Tuesday, June 12, and will have little more than a month to collect signatures.

The committee didn't nominate anyone for Auburn City Council, but people can ask for signatures and return petitions to the county Board of Elections to have a place on the Sept. 11 ballot.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net