Cayuga County Republican Committee members in Mentz, Montezuma and Throop have found a candidate for the vacant District 3 county Legislature seat.

In a 6-1 vote, David Axton, 37, of Port Byron, was selected at a gathering of committee members on Wednesday to run on the Republican ticket in November.

“I'm certainly honored and I think what I lack in political experience I'll make up in drive and personal ambition,” Axton said. “I am extremely honored that Republicans have stepped forward to support me and have confidence in me to do a good job for our county and district.”

“He is a very qualified candidate,” said Cherl Heary, who was re-elected as committee chairman on Wednesday. “He seems to be very much interested in the position and seems to be willing to learn what he needs to learn.”

Axton, who works in the prototype development department of Chase Design in Skaneateles, was one of three people considered by the committee. They were all interviewed by the committee last week, Heary said.

“All three people were qualified, but this young man just came across the best in the interviews,” she said.

Axton is looking to replace Bernard Smith, a Republican legislator who died Aug. 18. Smith's term expires in 2010.

The committee also selected officers during their biannual meeting Wednesday evening. Tom Prystal was elected secretary; David Brooks treasurer; Michael Chapman northern vice-chair; Lauren Albrecht southern vice-chair; and Joe DiVietro city vice chair.