Behr’s nomination for Montco sheriff confirmed

The Pennsylvania Senate confirmed on Tuesday former Whitemarsh Police Chief Eileen Whalon Behr's nomination to become Montgomery County sheriff. She takes over a post that has been vacant since the death of John P. Durante from a heart attack in February 2010.

Behr, 54, also is seeking a full term in the sheriff's office as the Republican-endorsed candidate in November's election.

Her interim nomination - announced by Gov. Corbett this month - drew criticism from both her Democratic opponent, William A. Holt Jr., a former Abington detective, and primary challenger Robert J. Durante, a former Montgomery County sheriff's deputy who is not related to the former sheriff. Both said putting her in the job before the election would give her an unfair advantage.

Behr said at the time that her name was submitted for nomination during the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell, well before she officially declared her intention to run.    - Jeremy Roebuck