A write-in candidate in Legislative District 1 qualified for almost $20,000 in public financing under Arizona’s Clean Elections law and may be qualified to run in the general election.

Democrat Dennis Grittner of Prescott Valley received more than enough $5 contributions to qualify for public financing in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election.

Grittner will receive $19,382 from the state to run his campaign, but only if he received more than 308 write-in votes in the primary concluded Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Write-in ballots in the District 1 house race numbered 2,296, according to unofficial numbers reported by state.

“The numbers look very good,” Grittner stated on his official Web site.

Though his name did not appear on the primary ballot, Grittner was the only Democrat who publicly declared his candidacy and actively campaigned in LD1.

Should he claim enough write-in ballots, Grittner would face incumbents Rep. Andy Tobin and Rep. Lucy Mason, both Republicans, in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election.

Tobin and Mason were the only two candidates competing in the Republican primary.

Residents of Yavapai and Coconino counties, including Sedona, vote in District 1. The top two vote getters in the general election take the available house seats.

The district is represented by a total of two representatives in the Arizona House of Representatives and one in the senate.

State Sen. Tom O’Halleran [R-Sedona] lost his bid for a second term representing District 1 after his primary loss to Republican Steve Pierce [R-Prescott] Sept. 2.

“Thanks to all of you for your help,” Grittner stated. “I  owe a special thanks to my wife, Judith, for her superhuman efforts on my behalf.”