The sheriff's office didn't pick the replacement. The New Hanover County Democratic Party did. This appointment is just for the remainder of the term Sheriff Causey is vacating. This is no different than any other elected office. If the office is vacated, the party will select a replacement to finish the term. The same thing was done in Brunswick and Mecklenburg Counties last year. The election for sheriff will be coming in 2010. Then, Sheriff McMahon will have to run and the voters in the county get to decide.