Following the death of Common Pleas Judge D. Scott Bowling the county’s Republican Central Committee will have a special meeting on Tuesday to decide who will be on the GOP ballot for Bowling’s seat in November.

There are four years left on Bowling’s term. Normally if an officeholder leaves office, the county commission would choose the successor. In the case of a judge, the governor will choose the replacement. However, if he chooses, he does not have to name a replacement.

While the party can make recommendations to the governor, this meeting is to select an individual who will run in the fall. Since Bowling died more than 40 days before the election, his seat will be on the ballot.

The Democrats have yet to determine if they will place a candidate on the ballot.

Whoever wins the November election will take office immediately.