After eight month`s delay Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Owen Chad "Cracker" Johnson to the Levy County Board of Commissioners. Johnson will fill the Board seat that was made vacant by Governor Crist when he removed Tony Parker following Parker`s federal court indictment for bribery. Johnson`s appointment comes just one month after he changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. The appointment came the same day that the Levy County Republican Executive Committee announced an August 8 rally and petition drive to persuade the Governor to appoint Blitch to the vacant seat. Blitch, a Republican who came within a few votes of defeating Tony Parker in the November 2008 election, was considered for appointment by Governor Crist along with two other applicants, but then was passed over when Johnson joined the Republican Party. Johnson lives near Trenton. Michelle Finnen, Chairman of the Levy County Republican Executive Committee, emailed her party members, saying that she does not know former Democrat Johnson, but she "hope(s) it is the right thing for Levy County." When asked why Abraham Blitch was passed over she said that she is not sure why, but added that "Mr. Johnson has a lot of connections." The Executive committee will meet soon to decide about having the August 8 rally and petition drive. | 
