Saltsman Withdraws From Clerk's Race

BROOKSVILLE - Citing personal reasons, Harlan Derek Saltsman on Wednesday withdrew from the race for Hernando County Circuit Court Clerk.

Saltsman said his 5-year-old son is battling cancer and his family commitments prevent him from continuing the race.

Democrat Saltsman, an attorney whose practice is in criminal, family and entertainment law, pre-qualified last February.

He formerly taught special education at Moton Elementary School and at Central High School, where he also was an assistant wrestling coach.

He served as an assistant public defender for Volusia, Flagler and Marion counties before returning to Hernando County in 2002 to begin private practice.

"I have been criticized for choosing my family over gathering petitions to place my name on the ballot for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court," Saltsman said in a letter to Hernando Today. "However, my family will always be first (and) therefore there was no choice to be made."

With Saltsman's withdrawal, incumbent Karen Nicolai is now running unopposed in her bid for a sixth term. Since being appointed by the governor in 1988 to fill a vacancy, Nicolai had faced no challengers to her seat.

"I do want to thank the many campaign volunteers, supporters and friends - both Democrat and Republican - for the efforts given in my campaign and I will continue to fight for my child and my clients in Hernando County and the state of Florida," Saltsman said.