Regardless of how the votes fall in the March primary, Sharon Gossett Hager will serve as the Lawrence County Recorder for the rest of 2004.

In front of a standing-room-only crowd, Hager was officially sworn in Tuesday by Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Richard Walton. She will fill the unexpired term vacated when Sue Deeds retired in December after 16 years as recorder.

A deputy recorder for the past 10 years, Hager is running against fellow Republican Harriet J. Scragg in the March primary. The winner will face Democrat David Classing, who is running unopposed in the primary, in November's general election to see who will take over the position in January 2005.

Hager said she was overwhelmed when she saw the crowd and nearly fainted.

"Thank you all for coming. I appreciate your support," she said. "I am truly honored. I am wonderfully blessed."

The Lawrence County Republican Central Committee officially voted to appoint Hager Monday night by a 48-27 count, Republican Chairman Ray T. Dutey said. Nine members were not present for the vote.

"Sharon will do a good job. She will continue to provide good service to the people of Lawrence County," Dutey said. "She knows the job real well and is a wonderful person."

Over the years, Hager said she has made many great friendships and will serve the community to the best of her ability for the next year, regardless of the outcome in March.

"I look forward to continuing the same wonderful service that has been given from that office for many years," she said. "All the prior office holders have been dedicated, hard working office holders and I plan to continue that."

Kim Estep, also a deputy recorder, has served as acting recorder since Jan. 1.