CROWN POINT | The biggest upset of Tuesday night may have been in the Lake County recorder's race.
Incumbent Michelle Fajman was in a tight contest with political newcomer Michael B. Brown, who held the lead at 10:30 p.m.
Fajman, who was at White Hawk Country Club with supporters, said shortly after 10 p.m. the race was too close to call. Four Democrats were competing for their party's nomination to seek the office held by Fajman for about 2 1/2 years.
Brown, of Merrillville, played the "same-name game," Fajman said.
Brown is a former juvenile court bailiff.
Fajman said he made his first run for political office capitalizing on the same name as popular Lake County Clerk Mike A. Brown.
Fajman said she is "disappointed" in voters.
"They didn't know who they were voting for," she said. "They voted just based on the name. He (Mike Brown) never showed his face at precinct meetings. He never attended any functions. He never attended anything."
Michael B. Brown said Tuesday night he wasn't a decoy or a same-name candidate.
He said he has the greatest respect for former Sheriff Roy Dominguez and once dated one of Dominguez's daughters, but insisted Dominguez didn't throw him in the race.
"I'm just looking forward to serving my community," he said.
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