Harry Chronister

In 1979, State Senator William Hasebroock died, and Governor Charles Thone appointed Chronister to serve until a special election could be held in 1980, passing over Hasebroock's widow, who requested the appointment.^[2] He was sworn in on June 22, 1979.^[3]

Chronister ran to serve out the remaining two years of Hasebroock's term in 1980,^[4] and was challenged by Schuyler Mayor Jeffrey Pokorny, former Stanton County Sheriff Emil Christensen, and write-in candidate Ron Tuma, a farmer.^[5] Chorister placed first in the primary,^[6] receiving 37 percent of the vote to Pokorny's 34 percent, and both advanced to the general election.^[7] Chronister narrowly defeated Pokorny, winning 51–49 percent.^[6][8]

In 1982, Chronister ran for re-election to a full term.^[9] He was challenged by Pokorny, in a rematch of their 1980 race, and disbarred attorney Ken Michaelis.^[9] Chronister placed first in the primary by a wide margin, receiving 56 percent of the vote to Pokorny's 25 percent and Michaelis's 19 percent.^[10] Chronister and Pokorny advanced to the general election again,^[11] where Chronister won in a landslide, receiving 61 percent of the vote to Pokorny's 39 percent.^[10][12]

Chronister declined to seek re-election in 1986.^[13]

Chorister died on September 16, 2006.^[14]