FAIRFIELD, Ohio (AP) – Butler County’s auditor fell just short of winning the Republican Party’s endorsement in his home county for the race in the U.S. House district vacated by former House Speaker John Boehner.

Roger Reynolds captured 59 percent of the vote at the Tuesday night meeting, shy of the 60 percent needed for endorsement in the largest county in western Ohio’s heavily Republican 8th District. Reynolds said he was “humbled and honored” with the strong show of support for what he called “proven conservative leadership.”

State Rep. Tim Derickson got nearly 40 percent of the vote in what’s also his home county. Derickson and his supporters were pleased that Reynolds didn’t secure the party endorsement, which would have given him a leg up in the crowded field.

Derickson also pledged conservative fiscal policies, including cutting spending and opposing tax hikes.

There are more than a half dozen Republicans seeking the March 15 nomination. The special general election vote will be June 7.

The heavily Republican district spans six western Ohio counties. Six candidates vied for the endorsement from some 200 voting Butler County party members Tuesday night.

State Sen. Bill Beagle was among them, telling the members that even though he is from Miami County he has a Butler connection – he met his wife at Miami University in Oxford.

Boehner, who resides in Butler County, first won the seat in 1990. He recently retired from Congress.