Watch: Runoff in the Race to Replace the 11th Circuit Solicitor

Lexington, S.C. (WOLO) — For the first time in four decades the 11th circuit will have new top prosecutor.

After a three person primary where no one claimed 50% of the votes, two candidates will go toe-to-toe in a run off.

Candidate Candice Lively says, “It’s such an important job and it truly does impact every person in the circuit how we handle those cases.”

“The position needs to be one where somebody walks into that position pristine and doesn’t have mudd on their hands because it’s such an important job,” says Rick Hubbard who is also vying for the position.

Both candidates agree on the job’s significance,but their ideas differ how to implement change.

Hubbard tells ABC Columbia, “There has to be a focus on violent crime there has to be an experienced leader who has experience prosecuting to ensure the public that violent criminals are off the street.”

The candidate spent 21 years working under the circuit’s current solicitor Donnie Myers, who has held the office since 1976.

Myers has been on the wrong side of the law multiple times in recent years.

Earlier this year Myers was charged with his third alcohol related offense when he hit a utility poll and left the scene of the incident.

Hubbard explains that when Myers announced he wouldn’t be seeking re-election he knew he was qualified to take on the task, saying, “I’ve got that experience, no one else has that. Also, I have trial experience that no one else has it’s very broad I’ve touched just about every type of case you can prosecute including death penalty cases.”

Opponent Candice Lively says the qualities he preaches as strengths are what she considers weaknesses.

“Our Solicitor’s office has been mediocre at best my opponents been the one running that office for the most part. He says he’s been managing that office he’s the one with that experience and I just find that experience has been in effective,” she explains.

According to Lively, her plans include more effective methods for change, preventing crime by reconnecting the office with the community.

She says, “I know that our top job is to prosecute cases but if you don’t know what’s going on in the community you’re not going to know the you need to know what’s going on when the file gets to your desk.”

Lively recognizes the looming uphill fight for the runof, with Hubbard just 45 votes shy of claiming the primary outright but both candidates say they’re ready to take on the challenge.

The runoff for 11th Circuit Solicitor will take place on June 28th.