Will he or won't he?

Some are expressing consternation below (and here) about Justice of the Peace Sam Harris's resignation, and whether it will 'stick.'

Apparently, the theory is this:

JP Harris announced his resignation in what is really just a diabolical plan to retain his seat. Seeing a looming defeat due to the recent publication of all of his miscues, he sees only one way out. He will tender his resignation. By doing so, he a) hopes to garner sympathy for 'doing the right thing'with his public statements, and b) depress the turnout of the Fagenstrom voters as well as the anti-Sam Harris voters. Presumably, he has spread the word of his plan among his supporters so they will turn out in force.

Then, on Election Day, if he can eke out a victory, he will make a public statement reneging on his previous resignation. "The people have spoken," he will say, "and they want me to stay in this position." Since his 'official' resignation letter to the County is very carefully worded to include only his present position and term, he will argue that it has no legal effect with respect to the new term that would begin at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2007.

I don't know if this is his plan or not (amazingly, he does not keep me informed of his political plans). I can, say, though, that I think it is highly unlikely that it can or will play out the way that some surmise.

First and foremost, say what you want about Judge Harris, I have not heard anyone disparage his honesty. While his judgment has been questioned, among other things, the people that know him have indicated that he is a truthful individual.

Second, two people that I know and trust spoke with him at length, and they believe him. While they could be wrong, I trust their ability to recognize duplicity. They believe he is sincere if for no other reason than it has grown very difficult for him to do his job in the present climate.

Third, if he reneges there will be significant reaction, here and elsewhere, public and private. I think he understands that.

Fourth, if his diabolical plan is publicized before the election, as it now has been, it won't fool too many people if it turns out to be true, will it?

Again, I believe he intends to honor his word. I think he, like the rest of us, wants it to be over. But, either way, there is one simple solution. Show up on Tuesday and vote for Steven Fagenstrom. Right?