In Oceanside, a man who died in September was elected to office in Tuesday's election—a feat that the opposing candidate on the ticket blames a current Councilman for.
Gary Ernst was elected to Oceanside City Treasurer by a six percent margin over challenger Nadine Scott, earning 17,659 votes. He died on Sept. 23 but there wasn't enough time remove his name from the ballot.
Scott told NBC 7 on Friday that she blames Councilman Jerry Kern for the loss to Ernst.
"He didn't like me," she said. "He didn't want me in office and his goal was to appoint someone. I find that a complete disenfranchisement of the voters."
Scott added that in 2009, she supported a recall effort against Kern and now, seven years later, she feels that he is lashing back.
“I find it very frustrating that we have a City Councilman who would actually campaign for my deceased opponent using the full force of a political party against me and he frustrated the will of my voters," she told NBC 7.
Kern denied allegations from Scott saying that he spent money on a campaign against her.
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But he told NBC 7 that he beleives Scott is not qualified to manage the City's $330 million portfolio and admitted he supported Ernst over Scott.
“All we did, is send emails and said 'we need a qualified treasurer and so if you choose Gary Ernst, the City Council will be able to appoint a qualified treasurer.'" he said.
“I made the one statement previously," he added. "Even though Gary Ernst had passed away, he was still better qualified than Miss Scott.”
But Scott said Kern is the reason for her loss against Ernst.
"That makes great headlines, but I didn't lose to Mr. Ernst. I lost to Jerry Kern and his money," she said.
The Oceanside City Council will have 60 days from the time the election is certified to decide how to move forward and appoint a candidate.
