Mystery Candidate Could Win Election Despite Disappearance

MARYSVILLE (CBS13) - A man who ran for the Marysville school board mysteriously disappeared, but now, incredibly he is leading the vote count in the race.

It isn't the most high-profile race. However, it is one of the most unusual we've come across, with a challenger who basically dropped off the map, who didn't even campaign, and is somehow in the lead.

Remember Anthony Dannible?

If the name doesn't ring a bell, you're not alone.

Even those who voted for him, like Jim Nagle, don't seem to know much about him.

"I'm not totally happy with the school board," said Nagle.

The so-called mystery man running for Marysville School District trustee skipped campaign events and skipped town for weeks.

He was on the East Coast before the election, and refused to talk to us about his campaign.

Now, he is leading the campaign by 75 votes.

"He may be more surprised than anyone else. I don't know what went on," said Margie Markle.

A shocked Markle, the current trustee, still hasn't met the guy who might be taking her spot.

"If he does win, I wish him all the luck in the world," said Markle. "I'll miss being a board member; it meant a lot to me."

So CBS13 tried to track him down, again.

Nobody was home at his last listed address; and our calls went unanswered.

Neighbors think he might be with his son in Denver.

However, it doesn't seem to bother voters.

"Well, he's a retired teacher. So he's familiar with the district, I hope," said Nagle.

It's a surprising vote that could put an absentee candidate in a school board seat.

Yuba County says it'll be early next week before all the ballots are counted.

CBS13 will keep you posted on the results of this election race.