GOUVERNEUR — A new face and a familiar one won nominations Saturday for the two seats on the Village Board at the Republican caucus. Incumbent George E. Harder and Jeffrey Spellicy will contend for the seats.

Incumbent John E. Washburn also was nominated, but did not win. Chairman Eldon B. Conklin cited his poor health as a reason for Mr. Washburn's not winning the nomination. Twenty-one people turned out for the caucus, which was similar to past years.

"As of yesterday, it would have surprised me if I didn't have four or five, but I got to rattling some cages," Mr. Conklin said. "In these economic times, you need all the input you can get."

Mr. Conklin said he was happy to see a new face come into the game, especially a business owner who, he said, will be able to bring that experience to the board.

"It's nice to see someone step forward who's a younger person," he said. "It'll be good to get some new blood."

Mr. Spellicy, who owns Spellicy Auto Sales, was unavailable for comment.

Mr. Harder said he is looking forward to continuing the work he began four years ago, if elected to another term.

Doing more with less in the weakened economy, he said, will be the main focus of the board.

"It's going to be tough times — we're no different from any other town, village or city that way," he said. "I'm going to try to do the right thing."

Because of a lack of party unity, a Democratic caucus was unlikely this year. Friday was the deadline to notify the county Board of Elections that one was to be held.

No one from the county Board of Elections could be reached. The only way to be on the ballot for the Gouverneur Village Board is via caucus; thus, there are no independent candidates.