The Schuylkill County Democratic Committee on Thursday agreed to recommend Pottsville attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. to serve the remaining time on the term of clerk of courts Stephen M. Lukach Jr., who stepped down from his post amid accusations that he used taxpayer money for personal purchases.

Lukach announced his retirement on April 22. He has yet to be charged.If appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett, Campion would serve until Dec. 31, 2015, the end of Lukach's term in office. According to law, the governor must appoint a replacement of the same party as the official who left office.But Lukach's first deputy of more than seven years, Paul Steffanic, also wants the job. Steffanic, a Democrat, has been serving as clerk of courts since Lukach stepped down on April 22."Yes, I definitely do want the job," he said Monday. "I want to finish the job I've started here."Anybody who insinuates that I'm not capable of doing the job doesn't know me. I am doing the job and I'm competent. I'm operating the office effectively and efficiently and making sure I do things correctly. I will continue to do that until the day I'm told it's not my job anymore," he said."Tom Campion is a good person," he said.Steffanic said he appreciates the support he has received from several Democratic Committee members."I just put myself in God's hands and hope everything works out for the best," he said. "I'm a hard-working person, and I have a great staff behind me."The Democratic Committee was unanimous in its choice of Campion, said Chairman Hugh Reiley."Attorney Campion is highly qualified for this position," Reiley said in a prepared statement. "He is a certified public accountant as well as an attorney."He said Campion has been an attorney for 14 years, and a CPA for 22 years. He has also served as first assistant district attorney.Reiley said Campion has interacted with the clerk of courts office and knows how it operates. The office handles criminal court documents, bail and other court-related money."The committee agreed that his qualifications, his unquestioned integrity and experience make him a uniquely qualified choice to fill out the remainder of the term," Reiley said.Campion works with the law firm of Lipkin, Marshall, Bohorad & Thornburg, which has offices in Pottsville and Ashland.In the prepared statement issued by Reiley, Campion said "I'm honored to have been asked to fulfill the remaining term of the clerk of courts, and I look forward to working with everyone involved to resolve any issues and to ensure that the office is operated efficiently and effectively."Lukach on April 22 faxed a handwritten note announcing his retirement, addressed to Gov. Tom Corbett. Steffanic immediately gave the letter to President Judge William Baldwin, who swore Steffanic who turned 64 that very day into office on the spot.Lukach had served as clerk of courts for 27 years. County controller Christy D. Joy in March discovered "irregularities" while reviewing 2012 records. The problems included using money from the clerk's automation fund to make car payments, buy lunches and electronics and other items for his own use.The fund is an account fueled by money from court proceedings to be used solely for technological upgrades in the office.The discovery triggered an investigation by the county district attorney's office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S Attorney General.The last time Lukach was in his office was April 8. On April 11, District Attorney Christine Holman announced that Lukach would resign as of April 17.On April 16, FBI agents and state troopers searched Lukach's office within the clerk's office, hauling out several large boxes of documents and electronics.